Jeffrey S. Paul, the Director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), was inaugurated today as the president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association.
Col. Patrick J. Callahan, the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, conducted the swearing-in ceremony at the Administration and Records Building in Morristown. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, a classmate of Paul’s at the Morris County Police Training Academy’s 20th Basic Police Class in 1983, held the Bible for the occasion.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the magnitude of this new responsibility, and I pledge to take on the challenges ahead with determination,” Paul said. “The men and women in this room, and across our 21 counties, bring diverse talents and skills to serve and protect our communities. This work is my calling.”
The event drew notable attendees, including Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Scott Di Giralomo, Director of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, as well as senior staff and members from various county departments.
Photos from the Swearing-In Ceremony Available
“Right now, as we speak, our OEM team is coordinating with California regarding what could be one of the most catastrophic fires in U.S. history. New Jersey was the first to reach out, offering assistance. Whether it’s California, Puerto Rico, Texas, or elsewhere, New Jersey steps up. And it’s leaders like Jeff Paul who make that possible,” said Col. Callahan, who also serves as New Jersey’s Director of Emergency Management.
Paul’s career spans more than four decades, encompassing law enforcement, emergency management, and EMS operations. He began his career with the Morristown Bureau of Police in 1979 and retired in 2012 as a captain with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
“It’s been 42 years since Jeff and I graduated from the academy. Throughout that time, his commitment to public safety has never wavered. His extensive achievements show he is the ideal candidate for this leadership role,” said Sheriff Gannon.
As the Morris County OEM Director, Paul oversees emergency response coordination for the county’s 39 municipalities. He also leads the county’s EMS program, including deploying pre-hospital emergency response resources.
Paul heads the county’s Special Operations Group, providing advanced life support/basic life support (ALS/BLS) services to tactical teams, the bomb squad, and HAZMAT units. He developed the county’s Rescue Task Force Program and serves as a Class 2 Officer with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
During Donald J. Trump’s first presidency, Paul coordinated ALS/BLS teams for the U.S. Secret Service and White House Medical Team during presidential visits to New Jersey and will continue these efforts during Trump’s upcoming term.
“We are incredibly proud of Jeff’s appointment to this statewide leadership role. His professionalism and extensive experience will serve the state’s emergency management community well,” said Prosecutor Carroll during the ceremony.
Paul, a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the International School of Tactical Medicine, holds numerous advanced certifications as a tactical medical practitioner. He has contributed to “Ciottone’s Disaster Medicine” and frequently lectures on emergency management topics, in addition to teaching courses statewide for the New Jersey State Police.
“This is a tremendous honor for our department. Under Jeff’s leadership, we’ll strengthen preparedness and response initiatives across all 21 counties,” said Law & Public Safety Director Di Giralomo.
The New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association unites emergency management leaders across the state’s counties to safeguard lives and property. The association collaborates with various emergency support functions to achieve these objectives.
For further details about OEM services in Morris County, visit the Morris County Office of Emergency Management website.
