Morris Prosecutor Knapp Named Prosecutor of the Year by the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association

Published on May 04, 2017

Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp has been named Prosecutor of the Year by the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers' Association, and the Prosecutor's Special Enforcement Unit also has been recognized for outstanding work by the group.

Honored with the NJNEOA's Unit & Individual Guns, Gangs & Narcotics Law Enforcement Awards were Deputy Chief Stephen Wilson, Lt. Edward Jones, Sgt. Joseph Costello, Det. Supervisor James Bruno, Det. Lydia Negron, Det. James Atoche, and Task Force officers Edward Zienowicz, Lucas Echeverri, George Tsimpedis, and Scott Pino.

Your tenacity and hands-on approach dealing with the issues facing Morris County is both noted and admired by colleagues throughout the state, NJNEOA awards Chairman Nitin Daniels said in a 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.

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.

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, said Prosecutor Knapp.

The association honored the 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.

The unit and its members were involved in an electronic surveillance investigation that culminated in the March 17 arrest of Ruiz and 15 other individuals in 3 counties for numerous drug charges.

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.

For additional information, contact Public Information Officer Fred Snowflack at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 828-8159.