Belleville Renames Street In Honor Of Fallen Police Detective

BELLEVILE, NJ — The Belleville community paid tribute to a beloved detective killed a decade ago.

On Nov. 7, 2011, Newark Police Det. Michael Morgan, of Belleville, was gunned down by a gang member during a robbery attempt. His killer was ultimately sentenced to nearly 40 years behind bars.

Those who knew Morgan remember him as a good man, a loving son and a dedicated cop who sought to serve and protect the most vulnerable in the community.

To keep him memory alive, a street sign renaming Carpenter Street as Det. Michael Morgan Jr. Way was unveiled at an event attended by Mayor Michael Melham and members of the Belleville Township Council.

Friends, family members and members of law enforcement from several surrounding towns
joined together at the street corner to honor the man who once said he wanted to be a police
officer to “make a difference.”

His mother, Phyllis, attended the ceremony, which included solemn music from the Emerald
Society Pipes and Drums.

Growing up in Belleville, Det. Morgan could often be found playing sports in the township’s
streets, lots and fields. He grew so strong and agile that he went on to play football at New Jersey
City University.

His life cut short at just 32 years of age, Det. Morgan fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming
a cop when he was assigned to Newark’s Second Precinct in 2005.

He served on the Auto Theft Task Force before being promoted to detective and joining the
Criminal Gant Intelligence Unit in 2006.

Det. Morgan focused his energies on the Safe City Program that got guns off the street, and his
work was featured on the Sundance Channel's “Brick City,” as well as Nat Geo's “Drugs Inc.”
Det. Morgan was shot and killed while off-duty on Nov. 7, 2011 in Paterson. He was leaving a
party when a gang member tried to rob him at gunpoint.

“Belleville will always be proud of Michael Morgan Jr. for dedicating his life and giving his life
to keep others safe,” Melham said. “This street sign will forever serve as a reminder of his
courage and dedication to the people he served.”