Morris County honors Detective Capt. Denise Thornton on retirement after 25 years of service
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County officials honored Detective Capt. Denise Thornton of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office this week, recognizing her retirement and more than 25 years of service during a walkout ceremony.
The event was held at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, where Thornton was presented with a Resolution of Honor by Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. Sheriff James M. Gannon also presented her with a retirement plaque and a commemorative plaque featuring the historic Morris County Courthouse.
“You entered law enforcement as a police dispatcher at the start of a new millennium, in a world that had not yet experienced the events of September 11th — a moment that would soon redefine public safety across the country,” said Commissioner Director Shaw. “That speaks to the perspective and resilience you brought from the very beginning. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, thank you for everything you’ve done for Morris County.”
Thornton began her career in public safety in 2000 as a dispatcher with the Bernards Township Police Department, where she handled emergency calls during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She joined the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2002 after graduating from the Morris County Police Academy.
Over the course of her career, Thornton rose through the ranks, serving as acting sergeant in 2011, sergeant in 2012, detective lieutenant in 2016 and detective captain in 2019. She played a key role in developing policies, overseeing training initiatives and supporting programs such as Project Lifesaver, CrimeStoppers and the Hope One/Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative.
“Dept. Capt. Thornton served on my transition team and helped guide the Sheriff’s Office through important organizational changes,” said Sheriff Gannon. “While her presence in uniform will be greatly missed, her impact will continue to be felt for years to come. We wish her a well-earned retirement filled with health, happiness and new adventures.”
As accreditation manager, Thornton helped lead the agency through multiple national reaccreditation processes. She also served as a public information officer and oversaw the Criminal Investigations Division, including crime scene investigations, evidence, professional standards and community outreach.
Thornton, a Randolph Township resident, also serves as a township councilwoman and remains active in several community organizations.
County officials thanked her for her decades of service and contributions to public safety across Morris County.
