Warren County Commissioners honor outgoing Warden Kenneth J. McCarthy, appoint successor

WARREN COUNTY, NJ – The Warren County Board of County Commissioners honored outgoing Warden Kenneth J. McCarthy with a proclamation on his retirement tonight, then appointed his successor to run the Warren County Correctional Center.

McCarthy retired after a lengthy career in law enforcement capped by eight and a half years as Warden. The commissioners promoted Deputy Warden Daniel M. Broesder, telling him that he had “large shoes to fill.”

“You kept the facility running top notch,” Commissioner Director James R. Kern III told McCarthy, particular during the COVID-19 pandemic that brought many challenges.

“He had a very difficult job over there,” said Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski, adding that McCarthy performed it “with sensitivity, humility and humanity.” McCarthy’s efforts helped many of those incarcerated come out better than they went in, reducing recidivism, he said.

“It’s hard to see him go, he’s going to be sorely missed,’ Sarnoski said.

Commissioner Lori Ciesla told McCarthy that he performed his job “with care in your heart.”

McCarthy thanked his family, many of whom attended the commissioners’ meeting, for “putting up with me through 44 years in law enforcement.” He also praised the staff of the county Correctional Center, noting, “It was my honor to work with them.”

McCarthy served with New Jersey State Police from January 1979 through November 2008, retiring as a Captain. He was named Trooper of the Year in 2005 for heroic life-saving efforts during a hostage situation.

McCarthy began employment with Warren County in January 2011, serving as Executive Undersheriff in the Warren County Sheriff’s Office before being named warden in April 2016.