Sheriff Ed Rochford will be the 34^th Grand Marshal for the 2013 Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade.  Ed is serving his seventh three-year term as the Morris County Sheriff.  Prior to serving as Sheriff for Morris County, he was the Deputy Chief of Police for Morris Township for twenty seven years. 

Ed will be marching down South Street with his wife Diana.  They have been married for forty years and are longtime residents of Morris Plains.   Ed has Irish roots with his ancestors coming over from County Cork, Ireland.  Ed was born and raised in Morris Township and has a long history of supporting the parade. 

Most of Sheriff Rochford’s free time is devoted to giving back to our community.  Ed is a very active volunteer in many organizations within Morris County.  Not only is he the Sheriff for Morris County, but he also is a volunteer Fireman.  Ed was presented with the “Good Scout” award from the Boy Scouts of America.  Ed has chaired fundraisers for children with cancer.  The fundraisers have helped to reduce medical expenses.  The American Cancer Society, Morris County Chapter honored Ed with an award as “Volunteer of the Year”.  Ed also volunteers by helping the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center is Madison, NJ.  His wife Diana works very hard at raising funds for the animal shelters in Randolph and Denville. 

The 2012 Grand Marshall Rich Smith said, “I think that Ed is the perfect choice for our next Grand Marshal.  Ed has been involved in Irish culture and events as long or longer than I have. Selection as Grand Marshal is a great honor. Professional accomplishments aside, this is community recognition, Ed's community. I know that Ed and Diana will enjoy their special time as much as Mary Ann and I did.  Mary Ann and I had no idea how much of a thrill being the Grand Marshal would be.  Congratulations to Ed and Diana! Enjoy.”

Willie Quinn, President of the St. Patrick's Day Parade of Morris County, Inc. said, “You would have a hard time finding anyone in Morris County with as wonderful a record of giving back to the community and volunteering as Ed Rochford.”