Prosecutor's Office and NJ Office of Homeland Security Provide Training for Local Islamic Center

Published on April 15, 2019

On April 14, 2019, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Director of Critical Infrastructure Patrick Owens, Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker and Detective Supervisor Tom Joiner participated in an Active Shooter Training program in partnership with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Boonton Police Chief David Mayhood. The program was held at the Jam-e Masjid Islamic Center in Boonton, New Jersey and was attended by members of multiple local houses of worship and their congregants. Lieutenant John Paige of NJOHSP presented on the Active Shooter Training while Director Owens explained the grant process and services provided by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

The training program instructed the numerous religious leaders and congregants in attendance on the best practices to ensure the safety and security of their respective houses of worship. Director Owens and Detective Supervisor Joiner explained the various services provided by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Homeland Security Unit, such as critical infrastructure assessments and the creation of emergency operations plans. They also discussed the various grants available to houses of worship through the Federal and State Governments.

Prosecutor Knapp said, The freedom to safely practice any religion is one of the pillars upon which our nation was built. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office and our law enforcement partners strive to ensure that the residents of Morris County never lose this freedom. We encourage all religious leaders in our community to remain vigilant and to avail themselves of all services provided by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, NJOSHP, Sheriff's Office and their municipal police departments.

From left: Sahar Dossal, Hanif Sheikh, MCPO Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker, Director of Critical Infrastructure Patrick Owens, John Paige of NJOHSP, Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Boonton PD Chief David Mayhood, Sheriff James M. Gannon, Gul Khan, Khaled Ahmed, Omar Saidi, and Mohammed Riaz.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Peter DiGennaro at [email protected] or 973-829-8159.