MORRISTOWN: It doesn't get more Irish than wearing a kilt and playing bagpipes.

Except maybe wearing a kilt, playing bagpipes and chasing down a mugger who robbed a street vender during a Saint Patrick's Day parade in Morristown.

Bob McDermott did that a couple of years ago. He has been putting on the kilt and playing bagpipes in a band for a dozen years. And, in traditional Irish fashion, he chose a career in law enforcement. He's a sergeant in the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, overseeing the Major Crimes and Homeland Security units.

This Friday, the 48-year-old investigator known for his work ethic and professionalism will be honored by Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., during a two-hour gathering being organized by the prosecutor's Community Affairs Unit. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. in the Morris County Freeholders Fifth Floor meeting room.

Six others of Irish descent will be sharing the spotlight with him, including from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Connor, Esq., Director of Administration and Policy Sheila Leary and Senior Trial Counsel John McNamara, Jr., Esq., as well as Mary Jo Buchanan, the director of the county human services department, Hanover Police Chief Stephen Gallagher and Morris Township Police Chief Tim Quinn.

Freeholder and former gubernatorial candidate John Murphy will be the keynote speaker. "I was thrilled and honored to be asked," said Murphy, who grew up in the Little Dublin section of Morristown in the vicinity of The Assumption Church on Maple Avenue.

Prosecutor Bianchi noted, "The Irish-American contributions to their country and the law enforcement community in particular are extraordinary. I am proud to honor and recognize these awardees whose lifetime commitment to public service has vastly improved the lives of so many."

Sgt. McDermott agreed, "There is a sense of pride, being Irish and in law enforcement."

There's also a sense of humor, being Irish, notes Senior Trial Counsel McNamara.

"We fought a war for four hours and we've been singing about it for 400 years," McNamara said. "And we are the people who decided to boil meat."

This report was filed March 18, 2009. Media Agent Bill Swayze may be reached at 973 285 6200.