Morris County’s law-enforcement community came together this week for a tradition that has long symbolized unity, professionalism, and service. At the Morris County Police Chiefs Association’s annual holiday luncheon, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners joined chiefs, officers, prosecutors, and community leaders to recognize two standout public-safety professionals whose careers continue to elevate policing throughout the region. The event also marked a new chapter of leadership for the association as it prepares for the year ahead.
Commissioner Douglas Cabana, who serves as liaison to Law and Public Safety, attended alongside Commissioners John Krickus and Thomas Mastrangelo. Together, they presented Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney with a framed Resolution of Honor, celebrating his selection as the association’s 2025 president. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was also applauded for being named the MCPCA’s 2026 Honorary Chief—an acknowledgment reserved for individuals who exemplify exceptional dedication to public service. For readers interested in statewide law-enforcement news, updates, and policy coverage, Explore New Jersey maintains extensive reporting within its dedicated [Law & Order] category.
Commissioner Cabana highlighted Chief Delaney’s deep roots in the community he serves, noting that his career stands as a model of professionalism shaped by commitment, training, and leadership. Delaney, a lifelong resident of Dover and a graduate of the local public-school system, began his law-enforcement journey at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy through the alternate-route program. After joining the Dover Police Department in 2009, he advanced steadily through every rank and was appointed chief in April 2021. His peers recognized him as Officer of the Year in 2018—a reflection of his service-driven approach to policing.
Delaney’s academic and professional achievements demonstrate a long-standing investment in his craft. He holds degrees from the County College of Morris, Montclair State University, and Centenary University, and completed several advanced leadership programs, including the West Point Command and Leadership Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. His résumé also includes the prestigious FBI-LEEDA Trilogy certification and graduation from the FBI National Academy’s 291st session, an honor reserved for less than one percent of law-enforcement professionals worldwide.
Chief Delaney and CAP Rodriguez were also recognized by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman, who delivered commendations on behalf of State Sen. Anthony Bucco. The luncheon, hosted at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, brought together leaders across all levels of the county’s public-safety network.
As part of the annual meeting, the MCPCA announced its leadership slate for the 2026 term, naming Madison Police Chief John Miscia as incoming president. The board for the year will also include:
Vice President: Hanover Police Chief Michael Loock
Vice President At Large: Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney
Sergeant at Arms: Chester Police Chief Ryan McNamee
Treasurer: Wharton Police Chief David Young
Secretary: Boonton Township Police Chief Thomas Cacciabeve
The luncheon once again showcased the professionalism and cooperative spirit that define Morris County’s public-safety community. Each year, the association uses this gathering to highlight the officers, prosecutors, and chiefs who not only lead their departments, but also elevate policing standards throughout the region. With Chief Delaney guiding the association into 2025 and new leadership already preparing for 2026, the organization remains firmly focused on strengthening community trust, encouraging professional excellence, and supporting the next generation of New Jersey law-enforcement leaders.
