Morris County: Sheriff James M. Gannon Welcomes Gridiron Hero to Office Internship

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from left: Morris County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, Morristown High School Training Coordinator Patricia Herbert, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Lt. Denise Thornton, MCSO Training Coordinator Sgt. Walter Rawa, Morristown High School Colonial L.I.F.E. Job Coach Jonathan Mestell, MCSO Intern Kevin Hasenbein, MCSO Sheriff James M. Gannon.

Kevin Hasenbein, a 19-year-old who has proved his talent on the Morristown High School football field, has scored a spring internship with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

Kevin, who has Down Syndrome, officially started his new position Feb. 4 fulfilling tasks alongside Sheriff’s Office detectives in the Evidence Section.

His internship, slated to run through June 24, involves Kevin working at the Superior Courthouse on Mondays and in the Evidence Section on Wednesdays.   

“I, along with all members of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, welcome Kevin’s enthusiastic presence. His spirit and energy will make us better people,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.

Kevin also is completing a separate internship on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the Civil Division of the Superior Court in Morristown.

Kevin, in 2018, obtained his Morristown High School diploma after fulfilling his graduation requirements at a school in Chatham. He returned to Morristown High School in the fall to participate in its Colonial Learning Independence For Employment, known as the Colonial L.I.F.E. program, which assists 18 to 21-year-old individuals in learning basic employment skills.

Through Colonial L.I.F.E.’s partnerships with Morris County Superior Court and Morris County government, Kevin is tackling his internships, known as Structured Learning Experiences. Colonial L.I.F.E. Job Coach Jonathan Mestell will accompany Kevin while he works for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. 

Kevin already achieved headline-making celebrity status in October 2018 during Morristown High School’s Homecoming football game against the Delbarton School.

Kevin’s younger brother, Eric, plays for the high school’s Colonials football team and Kevin is an honorary member and ardent fan. The Colonials arranged for Kevin to suit up for the Homecoming game and participate in a dazzling play in which he outran players to carry the ball 80 yards into the end zone to score a touchdown.

Morristown High School Transition Coordinator Patricia Herbert said Kevin is well-known and beloved at the high school.

“Kevin is very personable. He’s like a rock star at school. He’s always got a smile on his face and is truly a pleasure to be around,” Herbert said.