Morris County sheriff's captain named to Randolph council

Lina PortmanJune 4, 2024

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As a Detective Captain for the Morris County Sheriff's Department, Denise Thornton oversees criminal investigations and plays a vital role in community relations with residents of 39 towns in Morris County.

Despite her demanding professional career, the mother of two also finds time to serve her community through the Ladies Auxiliary, as chair of the library board of trustees and as a longtime basketball coach For the young.

So is it any wonder that when a city council seat opened up in his hometown, Randolph officials called on Thornton to step up once again?

Selected by the all-Republican board from three candidates, Thornton was appointed and sworn in at a May 23 meeting.

“I don’t see it as politics, I literally see it as service and volunteering for the city,” Thornton said in an interview. “To me, it's just what you do. You should give back.”

Thornton was appointed to fill the seat of Marie Potter, who resigned earlier in May to move to Florida. The appointment lasts until November, when Thornton plans to run for the remainder of Potter's term, which expires at the end of 2026.

Because Potter's term does not end this year, Thornton and the unexpired seat will not appear on the June 4 primary ballot.

Daughter of a police officer, wife of a firefighter

The daughter of a police officer and founding member of the New Vernon First Aid Squad in Harding, Thornton married and moved to the Ironia section of Randolph 16 years ago. Her husband has been a member of the city's volunteer fire department for 14 years, following several years with the Jefferson Fire Department.

“Our children were born here,” Thornton said. “We've always been involved in the community. I don't know any other way.”

His boss, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, has relied on Thronton's experience and expertise since taking over from Edward Rochford in 2017. Thornton joined the department in 2002 after starting his career in law enforcement as a police dispatcher in Bernards.

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The sheriff's right hand man

“Thornton’s expertise in all matters of public administration policy was essential to the transition” when Gannon became sheriff, he said. “She was responsible for accreditation and was knowledgeable in every aspect of how our agency operated. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to promote her to a critical leadership position as Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division , where she continues to serve.”

Thornton said her work in community relations for Rochford and Gannon led her to become involved in community programs throughout the county. Randolph Mayor Christine Carey said she was happy to add all that experience to the council.

“His leadership and passion will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our township.”,” Carey wrote in a statement announcing the appointment.

“Randolph knows her as both a mother and a strong community leader,” Gannon added. “I believe the citizens of Randolph, who have not yet interacted with Councilwoman Thornton, will appreciate Denise’s contributions as much as I do.”

Lina Portman

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