MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office promoted four officers Friday during a ceremony at the Historic Courtroom in the Morris County Courthouse.
Sheriff James M. Gannon presided over the event, which was attended by family members, friends and fellow law enforcement officers.
The promotions included Detective Lt. Eric Huffert, Detective Lt. Edward Koster, Detective Sgt. Bryan Petitt and Sgt. Timothy Palazzolo.
Huffert, a graduate of Morris Hills High School and Montclair State University, began his law enforcement career with the Morris County Park Police in 2002 after graduating from the Morris County Police Academy.
Over his 24-year career, Huffert served in patrol, investigations, internal affairs and specialized units, including the Motor Unit. He also has served for more than two decades with the Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County, participating in ceremonies and funerals honoring police officers and military members.
Koster joined the Morris County Park Police in 2013 after earning a criminal justice degree from Bloomsburg University. During his career, he served in patrol, motor, marine, K-9, ATV and bomb units and became a certified Drug Recognition Expert and instructor.
Officials said Koster has conducted more than 100 drug impairment evaluations and received multiple honors from Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Petitt began his public safety career as a dispatcher with the New Jersey State Police before joining the Morris County Park Police in 2019. Since then, he has served in patrol, marine and crime scene investigation assignments while also working as a field training officer and instructor.
In March, Petitt transferred to the Crime Scene Investigation Section and earned the title of detective before his promotion to detective sergeant.
Palazzolo joined the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2014 as a corrections officer after graduating from Kean University. He later transferred to the Bureau of Law Enforcement and served in the warrants section, marine patrol and firearms training operations.
Officials said Palazzolo also serves as an armorer responsible for maintaining department-issued firearms.
“Congratulations to all, be safe, and good luck in your new positions,” the Morris County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
