2 Honored With Irish Heritage Awards In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County officials recently tipped their caps to the “Irishman and Irishwoman of the Year” at their 2025 Irish Heritage Celebration.

This year’s honorees are Elmer J. Herrmann Jr., executive director of the Essex County Utilities Authority, and Dawn Marie Cole, a staff member with the Essex County Clerk’s Office (learn more about their achievements below).

The annual event recognizes the impact Irish men and women have had on the cultural, civic, political, law enforcement and economic history of the county.

Herrmann, who was born in Newark, spoke about how his family emigrated to the United States from Ireland – and the obstacles and challenges they had to overcome.

“They gave and gave to their community and did so with energy and dedication,” Herrmann said. “This honor means a lot to me because it made me think of my mother who made the transition to America and helped me have a wonderful life.”

The award also proved inspirational to Cole, who has worked and volunteered in West Caldwell, Roseland and Caldwell.

“I view this award not as a personal milestone, but as a tribute to my Irish heritage,” Cole said. “I am inspired by those who work to preserve our Irish traditions and build bonds in the community.”

Bagpiper Joseph McGonigal started the ceremony with a performance. The invocation was presented by the Rev. Camilo Cruz from St. Patrick’s Pro Cathedral in Newark. Recordings of the late James Mooney singing the National Anthem and the Irish national anthem were played, and a musical interlude was provided by Paul Byrne and Amy Bashara.

“I have always said that the strength of Essex County lies in the diversity of the people living and working within our borders,” county executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“Elmer and Dawn have helped shape the quality of life in our county through their leadership and civic involvement,” DiVincenzo said. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the positive impact they have had.”

The annual Irish Heritage Celebration is one of several cultural observances hosted by the Essex County executive’s office and the Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity and Affirmative Action.

The following background information comes courtesy of the county.

ELMER HERRMANN JR.

“Elmer J. Herrmann, Jr. is a lifelong Essex County resident, who was born in Newark. A graduate of Princeton University and Rutgers Law School, he became an attorney and spent many years practicing law in Newark and specialized in litigation. He also served as an assistant Essex County prosecutor under Brendan Byrne when he served as Essex County prosecutor.

“Currently, Herrmann serves as the executive director and authority counsel of the Essex County Utilities Authority (ECUA) and has dedicated many years to these roles. During his tenure with the ECUA, the county’s popular Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day and Computer & Electronics Recycling Day have been expanded to two events annually, the ECUA has saved money by eliminating unnecessary positions and negotiating garbage contracts that have reduced costs for Essex County municipalities, and the agency paid off its entire $102.9 million debt and became debt free in 2023.

“Herrmann has strong familial roots in Ireland. His family immigrated to the United States from County Roscommon and County Cork in Ireland. Elmer celebrates his heritage through his membership in the Saint Patrick’s Guard of Honor and the Friendly Sons of the Oranges.”

DAWN MARIE COLE

“Dawn Marie Cole’s passion for public service and community involvement began when she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Kiddie Campus in West Caldwell. It wasn’t long before she answered the call to serve the community that raised her, as she accepted a seasonal administrative position with the West Caldwell Recreation Department working summers at the township pools. In addition to her seasonal responsibilities, Cole spent 15 years gaining valuable experience in the food service industry before settling into her current role at the Essex County Clerk’s Office, where she has proudly served for 24 years.

“Cole’s Irish heritage has always been a source of immense pride, a passion instilled by her father, Jere, who has spent over 25 years chairing committees and serving on executive boards for numerous Irish American organizations at both the state and national levels. Inspired by his dedication, Cole followed in his footsteps, serving as recording secretary and head of the publicity committee for the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and as a committee member of the New Jersey Irish Festival. Beyond her deep connection to her Irish roots, Dawn is devoted to her community. She has volunteered countless hours at the West Caldwell Library and has been an active member of the Home and School Associations in both the Roseland and Caldwell-West Caldwell School Districts.”

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