FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2010

COUNTY MANAGER APPOINTS
25-YEAR LAW ENFORCEMENT VETERAN AS
 PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR

UNION COUNTY, NJ---Andrew Moran, a retired Berkeley Heights Police Captain with more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, has been appointed County Public Safety Director effective today, County Manager George W. Devanney announced.

“Andy Moran brings experience and new energy to the department as our director,” Devanney said. “Having worked on a strategic plan about the department for the past six months, he will be able to hit the ground running in his new position.”

Moran, 45, had been working in the department since August and recently finished the report, which among its items, addressed the creation of a Countywide shared radio services system, a consolidated 911 dispatch center covering the County and/or specific regions, a Countywide EMS system, and police department accreditation.

Moran said he was humbled by his appointment, and grateful to be serving the residents of Union County in his new capacity.

“I look forward to leading a group of determined and dedicated public servants in providing for the safety and protection of our citizens as well those who may work or visit here,” Moran said. “I am grateful to the County Manager for his support, and I look forward to working with our Board of Chosen Freeholders.”

Moran added that he would emphasize the pursuit of shared services, and pointed to his report in part as a blue print for his upcoming initiatives.

“I am looking forward to continuing the progress on these items, as well as exploring continued savings through shared services,” Moran said.

Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan welcomed Moran.

“Public Safety is one of our highest priorities, and we have found someone who will be able to lead the department into an era with new challenges,” Sullivan said. “We look forward to working with Director Moran.

Moran takes over the reins from Acting Public Safety Director Daniel Vaniska, who was also continuing his duties as Police Chief.  Vaniska will resume his duties as Police Chief.

“Dan was asked to take on additional responsibility during this time, and he responded during what proved to be a very busy period,” Devanney said. “We thank him for his tireless service on behalf of our residents.”

Moran will supervise a County Public Safety Department, which has a total contingent of approximately 130 employees, including 73 County Police. The Department includes the Office of Emergency Management, County Police, Medical Examiner, Weights and Measures, and Health divisions..

Moran will also be responsible for the supervision of the Bureaus of Domestic Preparedness, Hazardous Materials, the Fire Training Academy and Fire Investigations Task force, and the Office of Consumer Affairs.

Also among the department’s many high-profile services is the maintenance of a regional ballistic lab, considered to be among the most technologically advanced, and the child safety seat program, which serves thousands of families each year.

The Department this year will also witness the the completion of the public safety vehicle storage office building, which will free up parking space at the complex in Westfield, and provide office space. The building is green, and will meet the LEED Standard, meaning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Moran, who will continue earning his current salary in his new post at $113,793, began his law-enforcement career in 1984 as a civilian dispatcher. In 1985 was sworn in as a patrolman, became a Detective in 1994, and was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1995.

Since 2002, Moran has also served as the Municipal Coordinator for the Berkeley Heights Office of Emergency Management. He coordinated and managed the emergency preparedness program for the Township of Berkeley Heights.

In 2002 he was promoted to Detective Captain, and since 2004 he has served as the Operations Captain for the Berkeley Heights Police Department. Among his many responsibilities in that position, Moran supervised and managed the operations and activities of the Patrol and Investigations Divisions in the police department. He coordinated activities with other divisions and personnel in the department, outside agencies and the general public. He participated in the development and implementation of policies, projects and priorities for the Operations Division; and identified resources needed. Moran is a graduate of Rutgers University attaining a Bachelor of Science in the Administration of Justice. In 2004 he attended and graduated from the prestigious F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.