Knapp named Prosecutor of the Year; others also honored by Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association
Published on May 04, 2017
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp has been named Prosecutor of the Year by the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. (NJNEOA)
Your tenacity and hands on approach dealing with the issues facing Morris County is both noted and admired by colleagues throughout the state, Nitin Daniels, the association's awards chairman, said in a recent letter to Prosecutor Knapp. Your ability to recognize problems and understand the interaction and collaboration needed to combat these problems has brought cooperation amongst the law enforcement agencies throughout Morris County.
Prosecutor Knapp said, I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition by the Narcotics Officers Association. We have made narcotic enforcement a priority under my administration and will continue to do so.
The association also honored the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit and its members for their work involving the arrest of Kevin O. Ruiz and 15 other persons on heroin distribution charges.
Honored with the NJNEOA's Unit & Individual Guns, Gangs & Narcotics Law Enforcement Awards were then captain and now Deputy Chief Stephen Wilson, Lt. Edward Jones, Sgt. Joseph Costello, Det. Supervisor James Bruno, Det. Lydia Negron, Det. James Atoche, Task Force Officer (TFO) Edward Zienowicz, TFO Lucas Echeverri, TFO George Tsimpedis and TFO Scott Pino.
The unit and its members were honored for their role in a co-op electronic surveillance investigation that culminated in the March 17 arrest of Ruiz along with 15 other individuals in 3 counties for numerous drug charges, including 25 counts of conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance and 23 counts of conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute.
Our Special Enforcement Unit continues to partner with our State and Municipal law enforcement officers to bring for-profit drug dealers to justice Knapp said.
NJNEOA is a non-profit organization founded by law enforcement officers in 1965 to combat drug abuse. The Association strives to recognize individuals who have exhibited a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and dedication above and beyond the call of duty.
The awards to Prosecutor Knapp and the other members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office will be presented at NJNEOA's annual luncheon on June 8 in Atlantic City.
For additional information, contact Public Information Officer Fred Snowflack at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 828-8159.