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Do you have information relating to a crime or criminal activity in the Sussex County, New Jersey area? Get a cash reward of up to $1,000 for your anonymous tip. Call our hotline or submit a tip online using the form below. Call 973.300.CRIME Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment (as opposed to conviction) of criminals. When a person contacts Crime Stoppers, he/she is assigned a confidential code number which is then used for identification going forward. At no time will anyone ask the tipster’s name. The tipster will use the code number in all subsequent contacts with Crime Stoppers. When he/she becomes eligible for a reward, the arrangements to receive it are also made through the use of the code number. The reward will be paid in cash. After submitting your tip, please write down you’re your code number and call 973-300-CRIME to see if your tip leads to a reward. Crime Stoppers Online Anonymous Tip Form Suspect First Name Suspect Last Name Suspect Nickname Sex Age Birthday Race Height Weight Hair Color Eye Color Next

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 Cooling Centers Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada would like to provide you with the following information: As the summer months approach, the County of Sussex would like to remind residents that all county libraries will be open as cooling centers and charging stations. The Montague Municipal Building will also be available as a cooling center/charging station. In addition, the Sparta Police Department is also a 24/7 cooling center. Hours of operation for each location are listed below. Sussex County Cooling Centers Main Library 125 Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ 07860 Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dennis Branch **CLOSED AS A COOLING CENTER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE** 101 Main Street, Newton, NJ 07860 Monday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dorothy Henry Branch 66 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Franklin Branch 103 Main Street, Franklin, NJ 07416 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Louise Childs Branch 21 Stanhope Sparta Road, Stanhope, NJ 07874 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sussex-Wantage Branch 69 County Road 639, Wantage, NJ Monday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sussex County Division of Social Services 83 Spring Street, Suite 203, Newton, NJ Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sparta Township Police Department 65 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 24/7 Cooling Center Montague Municipal Building 277 Clove Road, Montague, NJ Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 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

Foreclosure Listings Announcement Effective June 3, 2026 Sussex County foreclosure sales will be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Historic Sussex County Courthouse, 3 High Street, Newton NJ. PLEASE NOTE In compliance with the August 28, 2025 order in MER-C-94-24, the right of refusal for the Community Wealth Preservation Program will be extended only to defendants, next-of-kin, or tenants. While every effort is made to ensure that these listings are accurate and timely, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office does not warrant or guarantee the reliability of same. To confirm a sale date, please contact the Foreclosure Unit at 973.579.0850. You must have the defendant’s name for inquiries. SALES CAN AND DO CHANGE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE. Foreclosure Archives Download File Filter List By: Filter List Click on the Case Number below to view a copy of the published advertisement ** Approx Judgement Excludes Judgement Interest & Sheriff's Fees Case Number / Advertisement Docket Number Scheduled Sale Date Plaintiff Defendant Plaintiff Attorney Plaintiff Attorney Telephone Approx Judgement ** Address City Complete Status Buyer Price Upset 26000335 F-2645-25 11/04/2026 Fundpality II, LLC Paul J. Rohaly Gary C. Zeitz, LLC (856) 857-1222 $40,127.36 28 Maxim Drive Hopatcong Open $49,000.00 26000320 F-000539-25 11/04/2026 US Bank Trust National Association Jeffrey W. Halls Pincus Law Group, PLLC (516) 699-8902 $227,320.88 130 Route 645 Sandyston Open $247,571.01 26000311 F-013516-25 11/04/2026 Pennymac Loan Services, LLC Phillip C. LaForge Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss, Weisman & Gordon, LLP (973) 325-8800 $248,529.21 37 Central School Road Wantage Open $269,338.99 26000293 F-013462-25 11/04/2026 Santander Bank, N.A. Philip Descarfino Brock & Scott, PLLC (844) 856-6646 $202,839.99 47 Winding Way Andover Open $222,986.51 26000231 F-012813-25 11/04/2026 Pennymac Loan Services, LLC Zakia Days Powers Kirn, LLC (856) 802-1000 $176,492.31 21 Cottonwood Court Hardyston Open $288,800.00 25000251 F-003886-23 11/04/2026 U.S. Bank Trust National Association Christopher H. Justus, ET AL Pluese Becker & Saltzman, LLC (856) 813-1700 $450,000.00 129 Riverview Way Montague Open $450,000.00 26000384 F-000314-26 10/07/2026 Nationstar Mortgage, LLC Terry Vance Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP (609) 840-5000 $39,321.28 257 Wawayanda Road Highland Lakes Open $46,000.00 26000364 F-000057-26 10/07/2026 HSBC Bank USA, National Association Rickey Conklin & Marjorie Conklin Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 $217,902.66 32 Northwestern Trail Hopatcong Open $242,000.00 26000362 F-002978-26 10/07/2026 Planet Home Lending, LLC Caitlin A. flood & Ross I Flood Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 $251,420.36 8 Sussex Road Sussex Open $276,000.00 26000359 F-012071-25 10/07/2026 Citizens Bank, N.A. Matthew Murphy McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC (856) 858-7080 $282,500.86 10 Atno Avenue Hopatcong Open $316,000.00

The sweep, carried out in most New Jersey counties, tracks down parents with outstanding warrants for failure to pay child support. < Back Sheriff’s office arrests 31 in statewide nonsupport sweep The sweep, carried out in most New Jersey counties, tracks down parents with outstanding warrants for failure to pay child support. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada today announced his agency’s recent participation in the New Jersey Statewide Nonsupport Warrant Sweep. The sweep was sponsored by the Sheriff’s Association of New Jersey and was conducted in full cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Family Development, the Office of Child Support Services and the probation divisions of each respective county in the state. Beginning in the early morning hours of Tuesday June, 18, 2013 and continuing through Thursday June 20, 2013, Sussex County sheriff’s officers—with arrest warrants issued by a Superior Court in New Jersey—arrested the following 26 individuals who failed to comply with court-ordered child support payments. An asterisk (*) next to a name denotes that individual has multiple non-support warrants for separate obligations. Defendant Age Residence Amount Owed Melanie Griffiths 36 Vernon $5,263.70 Sereca Thomas 29 Franklin $5,790.26 Jarred Bruce 32 Franklin $18,496.83 Alfred Davidson* 31 Sussex $22,213.28 Frank Mears 46 Newton $8,906.67 Robert Sipila 58 Vernon $3,200.00 Travis Kretzschmar 30 Vernon $3,904.00 Robert Farruggia 51 Netcong $54,043.88 Charles Heddy 41 Allamuchy $24,810.28 Thomas Scherzer 46 Roxbury $51,994.16 Roger Weaver* 45 Roxbury $161,080.58 Michael Burns 46 Sparta $4,124.91 Lisa Ayers 49 Newton $850.34 Vincent Scardino 43 Andover $6,706.76 Daryl Michael 42 Newton $4,311.12 Douglas Potente 27 Vernon $6,086.76 Scott Baker 44 Toms River $2,520.00 David Murphy 50 Branchville $57,347.80 Michael Krajci 43 Franklin $11,884.00 Kevin Smith 58 Sussex $3,364.28 Everett Scott 40 Branchville $649.00 Paula Babcock 52 Hamburg $3,218.17 Maria Brock 48 Vernon $13,796.27 Dustin Storm 39 Sandyston $4,708.74 Brett Hinchman 34 Pequannock $22,259.71 Shannon Cuthbert 26 Atlantic City $2,340.00 An additional five other individuals voluntarily surrendered themselves at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office during the sweep. In terms of overall collections gathered throughout New Jersey, Sussex County was third in the state. Of the 35 warrants served, a total of $33,756.71 was collected. All persons arrested in the sweep were processed and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Those incarcerated were given the opportunity to make a payment of the monies owed in order to be released. If unable to make full payment, they will be rescheduled for a court appearance before a Superior Court judge. At that time, the judge will make a determination regarding the amount of child support that must be paid on a case-by-case basis. Sheriff Strada advises Sussex County residents with an active warrant for nonsupport to be proactive and contact his office to make arrangements for surrender. Additionally, the sheriff asks any member of the public who can provide information that may lead to the arrest of someone who owes child support to contact the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers toll-free tip line at (888) 973-CRIME. Tips may also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers Online Anonymous Tip Form. Your information can greatly assist the sheriff’s office in enforcing outstanding warrants. If the information you provide leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

With the cold weather upon us, Fire Marshal Joseph Inga provides timely information about staying safe. < Back Winter fire safety With the cold weather upon us, Fire Marshal Joseph Inga provides timely information about staying safe. Previous Next While households are encouraged to be diligent about fire safety year round, it becomes especially important now because home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 108,400 residential building fires occur during the winter months each year in the United States. Sheriff Michael F. Strada and the Sussex County Fire Marshal would like to pass along the following tips and suggestions to ensure the safety of county residents and their families. General Cold Weather Fire Safety If your pipes freeze, do not try to thaw them with a blowtorch or other open flame. The pipe could conduct heat and a fire could be started. Try a hand held dryer, hot water or a UL labeled device for thawing. Never use an oven or a range to heat your home. This is a safety hazard and could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide. Be certain that all windows that are used as emergency exits can still be opened in the winter. Practice your escape plan at this time of year. If there is a fire hydrant near your house, help keep it clear of snow and debris. We need to be able to access it in case of a fire. Generator safety information sheet from the National Fire Protection Association Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Never leave a fire unattended! Have your chimney and fireplace inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep. They will check for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks and obstructions. Make sure the fireplace opening is covered with a sturdy metal screen or heat tempered glass doors. To prevent fires in your flue, burn dry, well-seasoned wood. Never burn trash. Make sure your wood stove burns hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup. Never burn charcoal indoors—it can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. Always be certain the fire in your fireplace is out before going to bed. It is extremely important to never close your damper while there are hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper could cause the fire to flare up again and this will cause toxic carbon monoxide to be released into the house. If you are using synthetic logs, always follow the directions on the package. Never break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that could burn. Portable Heaters Make sure you have at least 36 inches of empty space between all heaters and everything else, like curtains, furniture, papers and people. Never leave children unattended in rooms with portable heaters. Be sure the heater has a tip-over shut off function. Never use an extension cord with portable electric heaters—it is a common cause of fires. Check the cord on your electric portable heater. If it is cracked, frayed or gets hot, have the heater serviced. Be sure to clean the dust from all heaters. If left to build up, dust and lint can ignite and cause a fire. Be sure to turn portable heaters off when leaving the house or sleeping. Avoid using portable heaters in the bathroom. Furnaces Leave furnace work to experts. Have a qualified technician check and clean your furnace every year. Be sure the emergency shut off and automatic controls are in good condition. Always keep trash, papers, paint, etc. away from the furnace area. Finally, make sure your smoke detectors are functioning properly and that there is one installed on each level of your home. Smoke detectors save lives! Have questions or need more information? Contact Sussex County Fire Marshal Joseph C. Inga at 973.579.0380.

Arrested: Robert Wilson, age 24, of Stanhope, NJ. < Back Stanhope man arrested in probation department Arrested: Robert Wilson, age 24, of Stanhope, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, March 21, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, sheriff’s officers John Freykar and Rob Jacoby were advised by probation staff that an arrest warrant had been issued for Robert Wilson for violation of probation. Additionally, they were advised that Wilson was currently in the office. Officers Freykar and Jacoby located Wilson and, after confirming the existence of the warrant, arrested and transported him to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he was lodged without incident. Robert Wilson is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

Backup facility provides for completely redundant emergency communications capabilities. < Back Public safety telecommunicators exercise the “hot site” Backup facility provides for completely redundant emergency communications capabilities. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office successfully exercised its communications backup facility recently. Rather than answering 911 calls and dispatching emergency service resources from its Frankford Township facility, communications personnel ran the operations from its hot site located at the sheriff’s office in Newton. This backup facility, often referred to as a “hot site,” serves as a redundant communications site to the Frankford location. Real time synchronization between the two sites is used to completely mirror the environment of the main communications site in Frankford using wide area network links and specialized software. In the event of a disruption to the main Frankford site, personnel can relocate to this hot site and resume operations with minimal downtime. In lessons learned from 9/11, this hot site provides for complete redundant emergency communications capabilities from a geographically different location. Sheriff Strada said “It’s great to see that we are prepared should we ever have a disruption.”

Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed < Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces that Crimestoppers and the Hopatcong Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of a boat involved in a hit and run accident, which resulted in injuries, along with the suspect boat. On July 11th at approximately 9:40 p.m., while on Lake Hopatcong, the operator of the suspect boat struck the rear of a pontoon boat causing extensive damage, and then fled the scene. The crash happened near the River Styx Cove / Elba Point section of the lake. The suspect boat was last seen heading toward the direction of Halsey Island. The suspect boat was described as a white 20—foot speedboat with damage to the bow. type of boat that was involved in the accident Information or tips can be directed to Crimestoppers by calling 973-300-CRIME or our website here , the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau at 973-663-3400 or the Hopatcong PD at 973-398-5000. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers organization will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. At no time will anyone ask the tipsters name.

< Back SCSO K9 TEAM GRADUATES NJSP ACADEMY Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the graduation of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 Team from the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy 38th Narcotics Scent Class. Sheriff’s Detective Michael Scott and K-9 “Ace” recently successfully completed an intensive 14-week training course in narcotics detection. Detective Scott is a 7 year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Ace is a 1 year old German Shepherd Dog. During their training, over approximately 450 hours, the K-9 team executed over 300 narcotics searches in various conditions and at numerous locations. Detective Scott and K-9 Ace are scheduled to begin the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy Patrol Class for tracking in September. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit currently consists of three K-9 teams. Two narcotics detection teams and one tracking/trailing team. Sheriff Strada congratulates Detective Scott and Ace and wishes them great success in their careers. Said Sheriff Strada, “We are pleased to present the services of this great team and our other K-9 teams to the law enforcement agencies and citizens of Sussex County. I know they will prove to be a tremendous asset.”

Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. < Back Cub Scouts tour 911 Communications Center Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently hosted a tour of the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center for Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop. Den leader Brandt Anderson said “Our kids are working on an advancement that requires our troop to examine the resources within their community that are designed to help the community function in a time of need.” Sheriff Strada, along with 911 Communications Director Mark Rozek, took the boys through the Sussex County Communications Center and discussed what happens when you place a 911 call. The kids received a great lesson in emergency services and how it helps the community. Mr. Anderson noted, “We are also incorporating the idea of local heroes. The kids have decided, on their own, that Sheriff Strada and his deputies are the heroes that they feel best serve our township.”

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office < Back Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada July 1, 2026 973-579-0850 Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Johnny Swords has been promoted to Lieutenant. A United States Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lieutenant Swords began his law enforcement career in 2007 when he was hired as a Sheriff's Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Swords has served in both the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit and the Sheriff's Special Services Unit. A Certified Fatal Accident Reconstructionist, as well as a Project Lifesaver Technician and Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) Instructor, Lieutenant Swords has been assigned as a Supervisor in Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit since 2022. Lieutenant Swords is a recipient of the Sheriff's Honorable Service Award, The Educational Achievement Award. The Armed Forces Ribbon, The Good Conduct Award, The Grand Cordon Award, the Sheriff's Achievement Award, and the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. Lieutenant Swords also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas A. Edison University. Following this promotion, Lieutenant Swords will be assigned to oversee the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Detective Michael Scott has been promoted to Sergeant. A 2004 Graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, Sergeant Scott began his law enforcement career in 2016 when he was hired as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Sergeant Scott has served in the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit, The Sussex County Narcotics Task Force, the Sheriff’s Special Services Unit, and the K-9 Unit. A certified Field Training Officer, Sergeant Scott is a recipient of the Sheriff’s Exceptional Duty Award, the Good Conduct Award, the Grand Cordon, and the Sheriff’s K-9 Bar. Following this promotion Sergeant Scott will be assigned as a Supervisor in the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Sheriff Michael F. Strada stated "I want to extend my personal congratulations to both Lieutenant Johnny Swords and Sergeant Michael Scott on their well-deserved promotions. Both of these men have consistently demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, leadership, and dedication to this office throughout their careers.” Pictured left to right: Sergeant Michael Scott, Sheriff Michael Strada, Lieutenant Johnny Swords

Officers and nurses act quickly to help inmate in cardiac distress. < Back Corrections personnel honored for saving inmate’s life Officers and nurses act quickly to help inmate in cardiac distress. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently recognized and awarded several members of the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections with honors for their respective roles in saving the life of an inmate during a medical emergency. On the evening of May 8, 2015, corrections officers Brandon Fazio and Jeffrey Hilbert observed a prisoner who had collapsed and was unresponsive. They immediately contacted medical staff and ordered all inmates back to their cells. Sergeants Paul Reiher and Eric Groeger responded to their location along with nurses Jean Thompson and Cathy Toth. After determining the patient was in cardiac distress, Thompson and Toth began CPR. Corrections Officer Fazio and Sergeant Reiher began to prepare an Automated External Defibrillation device (AED) for use and, in conjunction with the medical staff performing CPR, delivered several rounds of defibrillation to the patient. The patient was ultimately airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital where he was placed on life support. For their actions in preserving the inmate’s life, Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, licensed practical nurse Jean Thompson and registered nurse Cathy Toth were presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award while Sergeant Eric Groeger, Corrections Officer Jeffrey Hilbert and Corrections Officer Michael Scuzzese were presented with the Honorable Service Award. Sheriff Strada thanks each of the above named personnel for their diligence, initiative and rapid action while in the line of duty. Their successful efforts to save a person’s life reflect great credit upon themselves and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections as a whole. From left to right: Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, Sheriff Michael F. Strada, LPN Jean Thompson and RN Cathy Toth.