This academic year at Morris Hills, the school has continued to show its dedication to student safety. The 2024-2025 school year has seen the hiring of a new Class 3 officer, retired Officer John Camoia. The new addition to the Morris Hills family is guaranteed to not only enhance school security, but also brings with him an abundance of experience to take care of any potential issues.

Officer Camoia grew up in Parsippany. He graduated from Parsippany High School in 1984 and later went on to attend college for criminal justice at Mansfield University, which he graduated from in 1988.

Camoia always knew he wanted to be a cop, due to his community involvement and love for helping others. It also helped that his grandfather was a police officer in New York. After college, he became a police officer in Mendham. He dedicated over 30 years of service to their police department.

Camoia began as a patrolman in 1993 before rising to the rank of Chief of Police. Throughout his time in Mendham, Officer Camoia was no stranger to working in schools either. He had taught the L.E.A.D. and D.A.R.E. programs for years before his promotion, as well as coached wrestling in Mendham.

In his retirement, Officer Camoia wanted to keep busy and continue to do “something excellent.” This led him to Morris Hills, as the transition from Mendham to Rockaway was smooth due to the similarly sized departments and his experience with high school settings.

A typical day for Officer Camoia involves “ensuring security and safety” through things such as “monitoring the interior and exterior of the [building]” and making sure “One of the [officers] is always at the security desk during every block.”

Camoia really appreciates the warm welcome Hills has provided him. The people as a matter of fact, are his favorite part of working here, given how “accepting and nice” they are.

Outside of work, Officer Camoia has a fulfilling personal life. He enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, often walking their pet dog, Benny. Camoia stays active by working out and playing pickleball when the weather is nice. He is also a big sports fan and enjoys football, wrestling, and especially baseball. Additionally, Camoia is a movie enthusiast, enjoying horror and comedy films.

All-in-all, the hiring of Officer Camoia not only speaks to Hills’ dedication to safety but also serves as a comforting presence for staff and students. By continuing to warmly welcome Camoia into Hills, we are allowing him to keep doing “something excellent.”