Veterans, First Responders Honored In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Today marks the nation's 103rd celebration of Veterans Day, honoring those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In honor of the holiday, Morristown took the opportunity to publicly salute and thank those in the local ranks who are currently serving or have served in the military for their continued commitment to public service.

"The Morristown Department of Public Safety would like to say thank you to all those who have sworn to defend our nation as members of our armed forces. The sacrifices made by all to ensure our cherished freedoms are very much appreciated," police said.

There are currently 18 first responders in Morristown who have also served in the armed forces; their names are listed below.

• Michael Alberto – Police – United States Marine Corps
• Collin Birch – Police – United States Army
• Marshall Babington – Fire – United States Army
• David Barter – Fire – United States Coast Guard
• Michael C. Corcoran Jr. – Department of Public Safety – United States Navy
• Alex Cadena – Fire – United States Army
• Tom Dennehy – Fire – United States Army
• Sean Gaffney – Fire – United States Army
• Adam Hagelin – Police – United States Army
• Paul Johnson – Police – United States Army
• Christopher Little – United States Army
• Matthew Loughlin – Fire – United States Air Force
• Kevin Morse – Fire – United States Army
• Sean McDonough – Fire – United States Marine Corps
• Anthony O’Brien – Police – United States Army
• Nick Prizzi – Fire – United States Marine Corps
• Jorge Ramirez-Police- United States Army
• Christopher Barreto- Police-United States Army

The police department in Morris Township recognized 11 first responders.

• Lieutenant Christopher Tongring – United States Army (1995-1997) 101 1st Airborne 327th Infantry Regiment
• Patrolman Victor Gallardo – United States Marine Corps (1999-2008) 6th Motor Transport Battalion
• Patrolman Derek Adair – New Jersey Army National Guard (2010-2016) Headquarters Battery of the 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery
• Patrolman Kojo Yeboah – New Jersey Army National Guard (2013-2019) 3/112th Field Artillery, Alpha Battery Unit and Airforce National Guard (2018 to present)
• Patrolman James VanValen – United States Marine Corps (2000-2004) First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division
• Patrolman Oscar Ponciano – New Jersey Army National Guard (2014 to present) Charlie Company, 2-113th Infantry Battalion
• Patrolman Paul Luna – United States Marine Corps (2013-2017) MAG 16 – 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing – MWSS 374
• Patrolman Steven Windt – United States Marine Corps (2018)
• Patrolman Joseph Pisciotto – United States Army Reserves (2016 to present) 465th Transportation Company
• Patrolman Miguel Palacio United States Army Reserves (2012 to present) 298th SMC- 378th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
• SLEO III Brian Valentine – United States Marine Corps (1982-1986) Corporal – Field Artillery

"Their dedication to country and community is unmatched and we are all honored to work alongside these men every day as we protect and serve Morris Township," police said.