Bucco/Gannon Announce $250K Public Safety Grant for Morris County Sheriff’s Office

April 29, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon announced that the Morris County Sheriff’s Office will be awarded a $250,000 grant to improve boater safety on Lake Hopatcong during the summer boating season.

“I’m glad that the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs has approved my grant request for Morris County,” said Sen. Bucco (R-25). “Boater safety on New Jersey’s lakes, particularly the State’s largest and busiest body of water, Lake Hopatcong, is incredibly important to the local communities and businesses. These funds will help provide the funds necessary for purchasing two new state of the art patrol boats so that residents, fishermen, and tourists can safely enjoy Lake Hopatcong.”

The grant will be awarded by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to help purchase two new Patrol Inflatable Boats for the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.

“I want everyone to enjoy their valuable recreation time on Lake Hopatcong. The best way to enjoy this time is to do so safely,” Sheriff James M. Gannon stated. “We take our public safety responsibilities very seriously. Ensuring boater safety measures are followed in accordance with the law on Lake Hopatcong is a primary responsibility of ours. This grant will enhance our ability to meet our operational objectives. We are so very grateful to Senator Bucco for assisting us in securing these funds. Our law enforcement partnerships on Lake Hopatcong have been made stronger through his efforts.”

Lake Hopatcong, which lies on the southern border of Sussex and Morris Counties, is New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake—occupying 38 miles of shoreline and encompassing 2,658 acres. It is a heavily utilized freshwater fishery and offers year-round recreational opportunities.