05/05/2026
Congratulations to Det. Lt. Ricciardi on being recognized for his leadership with the Morris County CIT program.
Morris County CIT Team Recognized as 2025 Program of the Year
The Morris County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) has been recognized as the CIT-NJ 2025 Program of the Year. The award was presented to team members during a statewide Crisis Intervention Team of New Jersey (CIT-NJ) conference at the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville, held on April 30, 2026.
Launched in 2021, the Morris County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) seeks to bring law enforcement, first responders and mental health professionals together to provide a more effective response to those who are dealing with a mental or behavioral health crisis. Morris County’s 40-hour training provides knowledge on different types of mental disorders and conditions – including schizophrenia, depression, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum. The training is intended to develop skills to promote safe encounters with law enforcement by teaching communication and de-escalation techniques, and enables participants to provide information and access to services that can aid these persons in lieu of incarceration. The curriculum consists of classroom instruction, community site visits and practical exercises delivered by local mental health professionals, CIT law enforcement instructors, and other subject matter experts.
Since the initial training, the Morris County CIT program has hosted 17 40-hour classes and trained a total of 535 students. Among them, 377 law enforcement personnel and 158 civilians.
CIT Coordinator Chief Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez recognized the commitment and hard work of the program’s staff and steering committee members Montville Police Lt. Scott McGowan, Butler Police Lt. Jorge Reyes, Washington Township Police Det. Frank Giaquinto, and Mental Health Association Director Deanna Ackerman. She also acknowledged the contributions of Director of Inpatient Behavior Health & Psychiatric Services at Saint Clare’s Kim Donnenberg, Pequannock Police Lt. Kevin Riccardi, MCPO Support Staff member Nicole Gibbs, MCPO Det. Supervisors Michelle Timmons and Mary Falzarano, MCPO Sgt. Craig May, and retired MHA Coordinator Carrie Totten.
Coordinator CAP Rodriguez said, “The impact the Morris County CIT is having is undeniably significant. Morris County staff have been called upon to assist other counties in starting or boosting their CIT and ARRIVE programs, and routinely help graduates who have questions or need assistance with situations they are dealing with. Class members often note how the personal and professional experiences that are shared by the staff will influence how they handle crisis calls going forward. Moreover, mental health professionals and civilians who participate in the training consistently relate that this class has given them a better understanding and appreciation for the work of law enforcement.”
Prosecutor Carroll said, “The CIT-NJ Morris County Program members have demonstrated leadership and initiative since the program’s creation, and has become a model throughout New Jersey. Morris County is on the forefront of improving law enforcement’s response to subjects experiencing mental health crisis and bringing about the best possible outcomes for all those involved.”
Prosecutor Carroll commended the organizational skills and dedication of CAP Rodriguez, who organized the CIT team and has been the leader of this exciting and evolutionary program. CITs have demonstrated effectiveness and will continue to have a profound effect on law enforcement and first responders in dealing with Morris County’s mental health challenges.
