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Detective Michael D. Patchunka started his career in Mount Olive as a police dispatcher in 1985. A year later he was sworn in as a patrolman and served in the Patrol Division until being transferred to the Narcotics Bureau in 1990. From 1990 to 1998 Detective Patchunka worked exclusively as an undercover officer, during this time he received 19 letters of commendation from his superiors relating to his undercover work as well as 3 letters from County Prosecutors in Morris, Sussex and Warren County. He has also received several letters from neighboring Police Chiefs for working undercover at their request in their jurisdiction. Detective Patchunka has received numerous departmental awards including two Meritorious Service Awards, two Exceptional Duty Awards, three Honorable Service Awards, two Grand Cordons and a Life Saving Award. In 2001 he was awarded the Knights of Columbus Shield Award and a Meritorious Service Award from the Morris County Detective's Association. He was assigned to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit on a wiretap investigation. This investigation yielded an Outstanding Achievement Award from the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Association. Detective Patchunka is currently serving in the Investigation Division. He is a certified D.A.R.E instructor, a member of the New Jersey Narcotics Officers Association, the Italian American Police Society and St. Michael's Soldiers.