A New Jersey Department of Human Services police officer was recovering Thursday after he accidentally shot himself in the leg on the gun range at the Morris County Fire and Safety Academy in Parsippany, multiple agencies confirmed.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services officer was in the process of completing weapons qualifications when his weapon fired, causing a non-life-threatening injury to his thigh, Parsippany police said.

The incident was reported at 10:30 a.m. The officer received immediate medical assistance from fellow officers and academy staff, Sgt. Brian Conover said.

Par-Troy EMS responded to transport the officer to Morristown Medical Center.

DHS Communications Director Tom Hester said the officer was released from the hospital later that afternoon.

"At approximately 10:30 am, a Human Services police officer discharged his weapon into his right leg during regular semi-annual qualifications," Hester said. "The officer was at the [academy’s] indoor firearms range at the time. The discharge occurred with his off-duty weapon."

It is unknown where the officer worked, but DHS officers are frequently assigned to nearby Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, a state-run facility in Parsippany.

Morris wiseguys:Five NJ men linked to NY mob plead guilty in 'Operation Fistful'

Route 46:Will Hilton suites, Wawa replace Mountain Lakes banquet hall?

William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com



