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As sheriff of Sussex County, I would like to welcome you to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office web site. It is my hope that this site will be used as an information resource for the citizens of Sussex County, as well as our visitors worldwide. Michael F. Strada Sheriff of Sussex County Welcome Our Services Important Information Please see below for announcements, information, updates and news you can use Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada would like to make you aware of the following information pertaining to small business relief following the July 4th storms. Pennsylvania has been approved for an SBA disaster declaration for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the July 4th severe storms. The following Pennsylvania counties are covered: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne. Because Pennsylvania borders New Jersey, the following two New Jersey counties are also included: Sussex and Warren. Attached is the news release and fact sheet. Please share this with your counties to distribute to their municipalities. What's Available: Eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to address disaster-related financial losses, even if they did not sustain physical damage. Loan amounts up to $2 million are available with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years. Application Deadline: Economic Injury: April 30, 2027 How to Apply: In-Person Assistance: Business Recovery Center Location: Schoonover Municipal Building, 147 Municipal Dr., East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 Tuesday, Aug. 4 – Friday, Aug. 21 Hours: Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Closes permanently at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21 Schedule an appointment: https://appointment.sba.gov/ Online: https://www.sba.gov/disaster/ *Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Official New Release can be found HERE The Fact Sheet can be found HERE Sussex County Warming Centers Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada would like to provide you with the following information: As the winter months approach, the County of Sussex would like to remind residents that all county libraries will be open as warming centers and charging stations. The Montague Municipal Building will also be available as a warming center/charging station. In addition, the Sparta Police Department is also a 24/7 warming center. Hours of operation for each location are listed below. Junior Academy (See the flyer here ) Dear Sussex County Community, After an incredibly successful inaugural Junior Academy, I am excited to announce the Second Annual Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy, scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 10, 2026 at the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy. This program is designed for our future leaders and is open to Sussex County 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (2026-2027 school year) who are interested in exploring the world of law enforcement and public safety. The Junior Sheriff’s Academy will provide a unique opportunity for up to 40 prospective recruits to engage in a week of hands-on training and educational experiences. Participants will be formally vetted for acceptance to ensure a positive and enriching environment for all involved. Throughout the week, recruits will participate in daily physical training that includes team-building exercises, obstacle courses, and healthy physical activities. In addition to physical training, the curriculum will cover a variety of important topics, including: Law Enforcement Fundamentals Fire Safety First Aid Drug abuse prevention Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstrations Emergency Operations Drone Demonstrations Rescue Task Force Demonstrations North Star Helicopter Medivac Demonstrations 911 Communication Crime Scene Investigation Motor Vehicle Stops NEW FOR 2026- FIREARMS SAFETY/AIRSOFT RANGE This academy aims to inspire and educate our youth about the vital role of law enforcement and public safety in our community. It is an excellent opportunity for young individuals to develop teamwork skills, gain knowledge, and foster a sense of responsibility. Applications for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy will be posted shortly on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office website. I encourage all interested families to keep an eye out for this announcement and to submit applications promptly, as spaces are limited. July 6 through July 10, 2026 Location : Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy 114 Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ 07860 (across from Sussex County Main Library). Fee : $100 to be collected with application- check or money order payable to: County of Sussex. Payment will not be deposited until after enrollment closure and recruit is accepted into the Academy. Applicants may be County residents entering the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for 2026-2027 school year. Applications available at the Sheriff’s Office or online at www.sussexcountysheriff.com beginning Monday, March 30, 202. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis beginning Monday April 7 . Deadline for returning the completed application packet will be Friday, May 8, 2026 . Class size will be limited to 40 Junior Sheriff’s Recruits. Application and more information can be found HERE Questions regarding this program may be directed to: jracademy@sussexcountysheriff.com Thank you for your continued support of our youth and community initiatives. I look forward to welcoming our future recruits to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy! Sincerely, Michael F. Strada Sussex County Sheriff Watch the Video from last years event 2025 Sussex County Junior Sheriff's Academy Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Sign Up for The Sussex County Mass Notification System Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news. The Sussex County Office of Emergency Management has partnered with ReGroup to alert you about critical information in your area. Severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations are examples of the situations where community notifications may be necessary. Scan the QR code to sign up or you can use the link HERE . You can choose to receive these notifications by text, phone call and email when you register. There is no cost to the residence of Sussex County. For additional information email emuller@sussexcountysheriff.com Foreclosure Listings + Learn More Crime Stoppers + Learn More Civil Process Unit The Sussex County Sheriff’s Civil Process Unit is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. The civil office is located at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ in front of the main court house. Appointments for Sheriff’s Office Civil Process Unit business ONLY can be scheduled by e-mail or by phone at 973.579.0850, Ext. 2116 or 2104. All fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to “Sussex County Sheriff.” CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Any court related business must be directed to 862.397.5700. Thank you for your cooperation. + Learn More Compliments And Complaints + Learn More News Room Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Jul 1, 2026 Read More Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crimestoppers Organization held its annual Spring Fundraiser Dinner May 7, 2026 Read More Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Apr 2, 2026 Read More Tip Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Dog Abandonment Case Mar 20, 2026 Read More Crimestoppers is Offering a $500 Reward for Information that Leads to the Arrest of Individual(s) Responsible for the Abandonment of Multiple Dogs - Incidents Under Investigation in Sussex County Mar 17, 2026 Read More + Learn More WANTED Petriello, Caitlin Age: 35 Sex Height Eyes Race Weight: 115 Hair Warrant: 26-0065 Offense: Non Support Warrant For: Family Court - failure to obey Warrant Date: Wed Mar 18 2026 VIEW ALL Contact

CERT praised for its efforts during the past year’s disasters. < Back Sheriff honors CERT members at holiday gathering CERT praised for its efforts during the past year’s disasters. Previous Next On Saturday, December 17, 2011, Sheriff Michael F. Strada attended the Sussex County CERT Team’s holiday party and presented several members of the team with Certificates of Appreciation and Exceptional Service Awards for their efforts during the past year’s disasters. The purpose of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is to train citizens to be better prepared for disasters. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Division of Emergency Management adopted the program in 2004. That year, 21 citizens were trained in the core components of the program and the Sussex County CERT was established. Presently, the Sussex County CERT program has approximately 200 members with an active core group of 40 members. The team conducts monthly training and holds one full-scale exercise every year. During Hurricane Irene, CERT assisted in shelter operations in which 22 CERT members covered over 445 hours of those operations, several of whom worked in excess of 51 hours. They also deployed during Tropical Storm Lee and the October 29, 2011 snowstorm to assist in shelter operations for the extended power outages. Sheriff Strada, in praising the volunteers for their hard work, said “these members are volunteers who are dedicated to training and preparedness for the citizens of Sussex County.” He asked for their continued support of the CERT program and issued an open invitation to county residents, saying “we are always looking for volunteers and welcome anyone from the county who would like to join our CERT team.” Interested persons should contact Sgt. George Arnot at 973.579.0875, ext. 2300.

The shelter will be open for the duration of Hurricane Sandy as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. < Back County shelter to open The shelter will be open for the duration of Hurricane Sandy as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. Previous Next Sussex County Emergency Management Coordinator Sheriff Michael Strada and Sussex County Administrator John Eskilson have announced that the Sussex County Vo-Tech School will be open for any Sussex County resident with sheltering needs. The Vo-Tech school is located on Rt. 94 in Sparta Township and will be opening tonight, October 28, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Individuals utilizing the shelter are encouraged to bring their own toiletries, medications, blankets and snacks for themselves. We will have meals to provide individuals. The shelter will be domestic animal friendly, however, you will need to bring your own food for your pet and make sure your animals are leashed or in a crate. The shelter will be open for the duration of the storm as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. The shelter will be in operation 24-hours a day staffed by the American Red Cross, the Sussex County CERT team and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Please be safe and be careful.

Arrested: John C. McCurdy, age 35, of Dover, NJ. < Back Sheriff's officer arrests man at courthouse Arrested: John C. McCurdy, age 35, of Dover, NJ. Previous Next On Monday, December 10, 2012, while assigned to courthouse security at the Superior Court in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered John C. McCurdy. Believing him to be the subject of an outstanding municipal court warrant, Officer Cahill detained McCurdy and confirmed the existence of three separate municipal court warrants for his arrest. Officer Cahill immediately placed McCurdy under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. McCurdy was processed and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility until such time as he could be transported to the Morris County Jail.

View a list of OEM coordinators for all Sussex County towns. < Back Hurricane Sandy and municipal OEM coordinators View a list of OEM coordinators for all Sussex County towns. Previous Next In anticipation of the upcoming storm, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Division of Emergency Management has made available a list of local OEM coordinators for each municipality in the county. For life hazard emergencies, call 9-1-1. For loss of electricity, call your power provider. For all other storm-related inquiries, call you local municipal emergency management coordinator. View list of municipal emergency coordinators »

Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 March 4, 2025 Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. K9 Roxi and her partner Detective Justin McCann served for 8 years with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout her years of service, K9 Roxi responded to hundreds of calls that included school searches, DWI check points, K9 demonstrations, and roadside vehicle and residential searches. K9 Roxi worked with every local law enforcement agency within Sussex County and assisted both the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force and the New Jersey State Police. Additionally, K9 Roxi assisted with calls within Morris, Warren, and Union Counties as well as the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security. When K9 Roxi wasn’t on duty, she resided with Detective McCann and his family. Sheriff Strada and the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offer our sincerest condolences to Detective McCann and his family. K9 Roxi will be missed by many.

Arrested: Joseph C. Baesler, age 33, of Sussex Boro, NJ and Melody Neale, age 26, of Milford, PA. < Back Couple arrested for outstanding warrants at probation department Arrested: Joseph C. Baesler, age 33, of Sussex Boro, NJ and Melody Neale, age 26, of Milford, PA. Previous Next On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski encountered Joseph Baesler. Knowing him to be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant from Wantage Township Municipal Court, Sheriff’s Officer Galinski immediately took him into custody. While Sheriff’s Officer Galinski was interviewing Baesler, Sheriff’s Sergeant Krista Galante was speaking with Baesler’s girlfriend, Melody Neale. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Neale was also the subject of multiple arrest warrants from Wantage Township Municipal Court. Neale was subsequently taken into custody as well. Joesph Baesler is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $4,250 bail with no 10% option. Melody Neale was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 bail.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the retirement of K9 Nutmeg < Back K9 Nutmeg Retirement Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the retirement of K9 Nutmeg Previous Next K9 Nutmeg, a bloodhound, came to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 and quickly became a certified team with Sussex County Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young. Nutmeg is certified in tracking people and is trained to trail a specific scent once the scent is presented to her. The K9 team of Nutmeg and Detective Young were both certified in the State of New Jersey and nationally through the National Police Bloodhound Association. During Nutmeg’s career at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, she responded to over 250 calls for service, both within Sussex County and out of County, even responding to calls in Pennsylvania when needed. She has tracked down criminals, missing persons, Alzheimer’s patients and has had a “lifesaving find”. She has trailed in every form of weather from frigid temperatures to hurricanes to blazing heat. K9 Nutmeg has achieved multiple evidence finds including guns, cell phones and stolen property. K9 Nutmeg enjoyed participating in numerous K9 demonstrations throughout the county for everyone from senior citizens to school age children. Detective Catherine Young stated, "Even after five plus years of working with K9 Nutmeg, she never ceases to impress me. From tracking 2.5 miles straight up a mountain to find her person, to starting a trail off of nothing but a footprint in the mud, she has amazed me time and time again. Proud doesn't even begin to put into words how I feel towards Nutty and the work she's done. It’s been an honor to be on the opposite end of the leash from her." K9 Nutmeg will be retired and will spend the rest of her life with Detective Young. Sheriff Strada would like to thank K9 Nutmeg for her years of service to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as she will be greatly missed by the staff and the citizens of Sussex County. Picture provided: Left to right: Detective Catherine Young, K9 Nutmeg, Sheriff Michael Strada

Arrested: Cheryl E. Semiz, age 19, of Hopatcong, NJ. < Back Hopatcong woman arrested for faking urine test Arrested: Cheryl E. Semiz, age 19, of Hopatcong, NJ. Previous Next On Monday, May 21, 2012, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines was advised by probation officers that a female probationer had attempted to fake a urine test after reporting for probation. Sheriff’s Officer Maines located Ms. Cheryl Semiz in the Sussex County Probation Department and, after a brief investigation, arrested her and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Semiz was charged with defrauding the administration of a court ordered drug test. She was issued a summons to appear at a future date in Newton Municipal Court and released.

He graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. < Back Sheriff Strada graduates FBI program He graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada has graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI’s ten week program is a professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. In attendance at the 260th session were leaders from 47 states, military organizations and federal civilian organizations with 22 of the students from 20 foreign countries. Its mission is “to support, promote and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.” Less than 1 percent of law enforcement executives in the country ever receive the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy. As a leader with a proven record as a professional within the law enforcement community, Sheriff Strada considers it an honor and a privilege to have been chosen to attend.

CERT Join the Sussex County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and become better prepared to respond to emergency situations right here in your own community. Members of Sussex County’s CERT give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts. CERT members receive training in the following areas: disaster preparedness disaster fire suppression medical operations light search and rescue operations disaster psychology and team organization terrorism and CERT disaster simulation Total basic training is usually about 24 hours, scheduled in 2-1/2 hour modules over a period of weeks. Training courses, materials and equipment are provided free of charge. To become a CERT member, you must be at least 18 years of age. For more information, contact CERT coordinator Eric Muller at 973.579.0380, ext. 2536. New Jersey Office of Emergency Management CERT web site »

Attorney ID Cards The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office has an attorney identification card program designed to readily identify practicing attorneys within the Sussex County Judicial Center. The ID card, available to attorneys with offices in Sussex County, costs $50.00 and the card is renewable every five years. To obtain an ID card in Sussex County, please visit the Bureau of Law Enforcement located within the sheriff’s office at 39 High Street in Newton. You will be asked to complete our Attorney ID Card Information form (including providing your New Jersey Bar number). For your convenience, we have also made the form available online so it may be completed in advance. Download the Attorney ID Card form To view and complete the form, you will need the freely available Adobe Reader software installed on your computer, version 7 or higher. This fillable form may be filled out on your computer and saved to your hard drive and/or printed out. Payment of the $50.00 fee may be made by check payable to the “Sussex County Sheriff’s Office.” Have questions? For more information, please call 973.579.0850.