Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Sussex County Communications Director Mark Rozek announce the promotion of Shannon Quinn and Brian Cannon to the position of Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator < Back Promotions to Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicators Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Sussex County Communications Director Mark Rozek announce the promotion of Shannon Quinn and Brian Cannon to the position of Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator Previous Next A brief ceremony was held on July 26th that was attended by close family and co-workers. Shannon Quinn has been a PST with the Sussex County Communications Center since February 3, 2016. She was promoted to Senior PST on June 15, 2020. She is an APCO Certified Training Officer (CTO), APCO certified Communications Center Supervisor (CCS) and recently completed Spillman Application Administrator (SAA) training. Shannon has an Associate’s Degree from Sussex County Community College and has also completed a Crisis Management course and several ICS courses. Shannon has received 8 CPR Lifesaving awards since 2018. Brian Cannon has been a PST with the Sussex County Communications Center since July 16, 2015. He was promoted to Senior PST on June 15, 2020. He is an APCO Certified Training Officer (CTO), APCO certified Communications Center Supervisor (CCS) and an experienced Spillman Application Administrator (SAA) and is knowledgeable in the county’s GIS system. Brian has a Bachelor’s of Art in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He is also a CPR Instructor and has completed several ICS courses. Brian has received 5 CPR Lifesaving awards since 2018. Sheriff Strada states “Telecommunicators are the first ones to receive emergency calls and often times save lives over the phone by giving medical direction to those in need. They all do a terrific job, often times handling extremely stressful emergency calls while remaining calm and professional to ensure the proper resources are sent to those in need. Brian and Shannon bring experience, dedication, and commitment to the organization and are well deserving of this promotion.” Photo: Left to Right – Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Supervising PST Brian Cannon, Supervising PST Shannon Quinn & Director Mark Rozek

Administration Mission Statement The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office dedicates itself to protecting the life and property of the citizens of the county, providing primary and support services to all law enforcement agencies, along with maintaining traditional sheriff’s services. The office recognizes that the ability to successfully complete this mission is based on mutual respect and responsibility, shared by all agencies, and most importantly the citizens it serves. As professionals, we are duty bound to enforce the laws in a fair and impartial manner, recognizing both the statutory and judicial limitations of police authority, and at all times, protecting the constitutional rights of all persons. Sheriff Michael F. Strada Sheriff Mike Strada , who has been involved in public service all his life, is serving his fifth three-year term as Sussex County Sheriff. Sheriff Strada served in the Army for four years as a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and served in both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. While in the military, he was an explosives expert and assigned to a Parachute Infantry Regiment. During his military career, he was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge and the Army Achievement Medal. After being honorably discharged from the military, Sheriff Strada went on to pursue a career in law enforcement. He began his law enforcement career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. In 1995, Sheriff Strada joined the Mt. Olive Township Police Department and was assigned to the Patrol Division where he served for ten years. In 2005, he moved up to the Investigations Division where he served as a detective for the duration of his tenure with Mt. Olive. Over the course of his career with Mt. Olive, Strada was the recipient of numerous departmental awards including the Morris County 200 Club 2001 Valor Award, three lifesaving awards, four honorable service awards, three meritorious service awards, an educational achievement award and a military service award. Sheriff Strada has a master’s degree, from Fairleigh Dickinson, in administration. Law enforcement certifications and training include FBI Police Supervision and Management, Northeast Counterdrug Training Center: Leadership and Mastering Performance Management, Supervision Principles, Police Supervision, and Organizational Leadership. In addition to being a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Executive Leadership Program at the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI), he is also a certified field training officer and police academy instructor. Sheriff Strada is a graduate of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leadership Program. Sheriff Strada has served as President of the Sheriffs’ Association of New Jersey and is a member of Newton VFW Post 5360, Life Member of the National Rifle Association, Branchville American Legion Post 157, New Jersey Italian American Police Officers Association, New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, Sussex County Chiefs of Police Association and FBI National Academy Associates. Special Services Unit Undersheriff John Schanstra Undersheriff John Schanstra , a lifelong resident of Sussex County, graduated from Sparta High School and from County College of Morris with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, also from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a master’s of administrative sciences degree. In 1988, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Municipal Police Academy as part of the 188th class. During his 25-year career as a police officer with the Borough of Ogdensburg and the Township of Sparta, he started his career as a patrolman, Undersheriff Schanstra, after being promoted to detective served in the Investigative Unit of the Sparta Police handling criminal and administrative investigations. Undersheriff Schanstra was assigned as the liaison with the Middle Atlantic - Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network for the purpose of analysis and dissemination of criminal intelligence. Undersheriff Schanstra was promoted to detective sergeant and took command of the investigative unit of the Sparta Police Department overseeing all investigations and the oversight of schools security of the district along with Sparta Pope John and Vo-Tech High School. Undersheriff Schanstra was sworn in as a deputy United States marshal and assisted the United States Marshal Service Joint Fugitive Task Force in the apprehension of violent criminals in the tri-state area. During his career as a police officer, Undersheriff Schanstra served for six years as the president of the Sussex County Detectives Association. His awards include the Sussex County Detective of the Year, police officer of the year award which was present by the Sparta Kiwanis along with numerous meritorious services awards. Undersheriff Schanstra was hired by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as the director of internal affairs prior to being promoted to undersheriff of Special Services Unit. This unit includes Internal Affairs, K-9, Detective and Cops Unit of the Sussex County Sheriffs Office. Besides his master’s degree in administrative science, Undersheriff Schanstra holds the position of adjunct professor at Sussex County Community College where he teaches criminal investigation at night. Undersheriff Schanstra is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #26 and the Interstate Law Enforcement Officers Association. Civil Process Unit Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti moved to Sussex County at a very young age and graduated from Port Jervis High School. He attended Sussex County Community College and then Montclair University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. In 1995, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in the 115th academy class and assigned badge #5237. He continued his studies at Seton Hall University graduating with a master of arts in human resources. During his nearly 26-year career with the New Jersey State Police, Undersheriff Avenatti began as a road trooper serving at Totowa-Sub, Washington, Sussex, Netcong and Hope stations. He served in the Special Operations Section as a commercial vehicle inspector eventually becoming part of a criminal interdiction team. He also was a member of the ceremonial Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold for several years. In 2016, Avenatti was promoted to sgt. first class and assigned to the Garden State Parkway, Bloomfield Station, Troop D, Field Operations Section as the assistant station commander for two years. He transferred to Troop B headquarters and served on the Troop B command staff until he was transferred to Sussex station. There he was promoted to lieutenant/station commander in 2018 where he finished his New Jersey State Police career. During his career with the state police, Avenatti served as an instructor in riot control for the Urban Area Security Initiative, assigned to Washington, DC for two presidential inaugurations, was an armorer for several weapons platforms utilized by the state police as well as a firearms instructor. He received the Franklin E. Sigler Award for Heroism from the Newton VFW Post along with other members of his squad and a Certificate of Unit Commendation for assisting with a large seizure of contraband. Undersheriff Avenatti is an associate member of the New Jersey State Police Superior Officers Association, a member of Newark FOP Lodge #12 and the Former Troopers Association.

$3,350.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to assist cancer patients and fund education about cancer prevention. < Back SCSO raises over $3,000 during No-Shave November $3,350.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to assist cancer patients and fund education about cancer prevention. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) was a proud participant in this year’s American Cancer Society “No-Shave November” fundraiser. Throughout the month of November, and with the approval of Sheriff Michael F. Strada, 27 members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement elected to forego their daily shaving routines and donate at least a portion of the amount of money they would have spent on grooming costs to No-Shave November. At the time of this writing, $3,350.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized by No-Shave November to assist cancer patients and fund education about cancer prevention. Although participation by the SCSO in the fundraiser has ended, the good work the American Cancer Society does continues. For more information regarding donations or volunteering, please visit the American Cancer Society website .

Arrested: Jamie L. Zita, age 26, of Dingmans Ferry, PA. < Back Dingmans Ferry woman arrested for DWI in Frankford Township Arrested: Jamie L. Zita, age 26, of Dingmans Ferry, PA. Previous Next On Saturday, August 31, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide DWI campaign, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a dark colored Honda Civic, operated by Jamie L. Zita, driving in excess of the posted speed limit on CR 655 in Frankford Township. Officer Haggerty pulled the vehicle over and spoke with Ms. Zita. After speaking with her and observing her attempt to perform several sobriety tests, Officer Haggerty determined Zita to be impaired. She was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Zita was charged with the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, speeding, reckless driving and failure to exhibit proof of valid insurance. She was given a future date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling assisted in the arrest.

Three recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. < Back Bureau of Law Enforcement welcomes three new officers Three recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of three sheriff’s officers from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy’s 90th Basic Police Class. Steven Sugar is a 2006 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a 10-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard and a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Locally, Officer Sugar has served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) for many years. He currently serves as fire captain of the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Sugar will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Steven Kniedl is a 2006 graduate of the Sussex County Technical School and a United States Marine Corps veteran. Officer Kneidl also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University. While attending the police academy, Officer Kneidl was awarded the 200 Club of Morris County Leadership Award as well as the New Jersey Police Training Commission Merit Award. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Kneidl will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Joseph Decker is a 2009 graduate of Newton High School, a United States Marine Corps veteran and a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Officer Decker is currently attending Sussex County Community College where he is pursuing an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Decker will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Recently, at a small ceremony held at the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Strada greeted the new officers and administered the oath of office to each of them. Sheriff Strada joins the rest of the Bureau of Law Enforcement in welcoming these three new officers to the sheriff’s office and wishing them success in their careers. Sheriff Michael F. Strada welcomes three new officers.

Arrested: James S. Fox, age 22, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Frankford Township motor vehicle stop results in weapon arrest Arrested: James S. Fox, age 22, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, May 17, 2011, while assigned to community policing in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a motor vehicle being operated by James S. Fox failing to maintain its lane of traffic. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty stopped the vehicle and, after observing Fox attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined him to be intoxicated. Additionally, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty observed a small handgun in the vehicle. The handgun was later determined to be a small caliber air pump metal BB gun. Further investigation also revealed Fox to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Fox was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. Fox was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 1/2 ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun without a permit, and several motor vehicle offenses. He was given a date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court. During the investigation, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty was assisted by Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski and Sheriff’s Sergeant Ray Loevlie.

Strada recently attended a dynamic, intensive and challenging five-day program in Virginia. < Back Sheriff Strada attends FBI leadership training Strada recently attended a dynamic, intensive and challenging five-day program in Virginia. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently completed a five-day intensive training program hosted by the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA). Sheriff Strada was one of thirty participants from throughout the United States who attended the week-long training program in Richmond, Virginia that focused on Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives. The Command Institute focuses on and provides real life contemporary and futuristic strategies and techniques for those in command level positions. Participants engaged in such topics as leading a new command, leading change, organizational culture, surviving and succeeding as a police executive, audits and controls and liability. The training had a high degree of student participation. Sheriff Strada said “Whenever you are able to obtain this level of training it is a benefit to our organization. I was able to learn and network with some of the best instructors in our country.”

Lieutenant Boden serves the Bureau of Corrections. < Back Sergeant Andrew Boden promoted to the rank of lieutenant Lieutenant Boden serves the Bureau of Corrections. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Sergeant Andrew Boden to the rank of lieutenant. For the past 19 years, Lieutenant Boden has been heavily relied upon and has served as an integral part of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Bureau. His knowledge, experience, abilities and interpersonal skills make Lieutenant Boden a great law enforcement officer and a leader. Lieutenant Boden serves the Corrections Bureau on the Special Operations Group, Honor Guard Unit, and HAZMAT teams and has always gone above and beyond his normal scope of duties. Sheriff Strada stated, “Many officers look up to Lieutenant Boden because of his strong leadership skills and his ability to handle personal and professional issues. He always carries his duties out in a respectful, fair, and professional manner.” Sheriff Strada congratulates Lieutenant Boden and wishes him the best of luck in his new capacity.

Arrested: Patrick Storey, age 19, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Teenager arrested for DWI in Wantage Township Arrested: Patrick Storey, age 19, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, September 1, 2012, while assigned to traffic enforcement within Wantage Township, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling observed a motor vehicle being operated by Patrick Storey failing to maintain his lane of traffic. Officer Schilling stopped the vehicle and, after observing Storey attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined him to be intoxicated. Storey was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. He was issued summonses for the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and impeding traffic. Storey was released pending a future date to appear in Wantage Township Municipal Court.

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

The officers spent 15 weeks at the Passaic County Police Academy. < Back Three sheriff’s corrections officers graduate academy with honors The officers spent 15 weeks at the Passaic County Police Academy. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of three sheriff’s corrections officers from the Passaic County Police Academy 45th Basic County Corrections class. The corrections officers spent 15 weeks receiving training and academic instruction in the following courses of study: the administration of justice, emergency medical technician, cardio pulmonary resuscitation, the civil and legal rights of inmates, New Jersey state and penal law, corrections practices and job performance. All three recruits, who excelled during their time in the academy with one receiving academic honors and the other two receiving athletic awards, are currently assigned to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. John Boeren —A 2003 graduate of Pope John High School and a lifelong Sussex County resident, Corrections Officer Boeren holds an associate’s degree in engineering technology from Penn State University. Officer Boeren enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 2009 and continues to serve in that capacity. While attending the police academy, Officer Boeren received the Academic Award for maintaining the highest test average in the class throughout the course of training. Richard Cullen —A 2007 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Corrections Officer Cullen is a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Officer Cullen holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Sussex County Community College as well as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Felician College. While attending college, and in addition to being named to the Dean’s List three times for academic achievement, Officer Cullen also interned with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. While attending the police academy, Officer Cullen received the PT Award for his athletic achievements at all levels of the physical training course. Jeffery Hilbert —A lifelong resident of Sussex County, Corrections Officer Hilbert is a 2010 graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School. Officer Hilbert holds an associate’s degree from Sussex County Community College and is currently attending Felician College. While attending the police academy, Officer Hilbert also received the PT Award for his athletic achievements at all levels of the physical training course. Sheriff Strada congratulates each of the new corrections officers and wishes them continued success in their law enforcement careers.

Three staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. < Back New promotions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement Three staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Lieutenant Lawrence J. Beller , a United State Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm and a 21-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, has been promoted to captain. Captain Beller has been a member of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. In 2005, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to supervise the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. In 2010, he was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to oversee the supervision of the courthouse unit. Following his promotion, Captain Beller has been assigned to oversee the daily operations of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. In addition to being awarded several honors throughout his career, Captain Beller received the Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award in 2011 for his rapid and successful response during a medical emergency at the Sussex County Fair. Captain Beller is a graduate of the 61st Middlesex County Police Academy Basic Police Class and the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Leadership and Supervision course. Sergeant Derek Nerlinger has been promoted to lieutenant. A 1993 graduate of Sparta High School, a United States Army Veteran, and a 15-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Nerlinger began his law enforcement career in 2000 when he was hired as a federal corrections officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The following year, he accepted a position as a sheriff’s officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. In 2008, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to supervise the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. A recipient of the United States Armed Forces Ribbon as well as the Hurricane Irene Service Ribbon, Lieutenant Nerlinger is a graduate of the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute’s 87th Basic Police Class, the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Leadership and Supervision course, and the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey School of Graduate and Continuing Studies Front Line Supervision Program. Following his promotion, Lieutenant Nerlinger has been assigned to oversee the supervision of the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Corporal Michael Yanko , a 21-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and a United States Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm, has been promoted to sergeant. He began his career serving in the courts and transportations unit. He was then assigned to the Community Policing/Civil Process Unit. His next assignment was as a detective in the Warrant Unit. Sergeant Yanko served in the Warrant Unit for 13 years. During his assignment in the Warrant Unit, Sergeant Yanko cleared over 9,000 arrest warrants. He also served in the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU). For the past three years, Sergeant Yanko has been assigned to the Sheriff’s Home Detention Program. Sergeant Yanko is a two-time recipient of the Sheriff’s Achievement Award, Hurricane Irene Service Ribbon and United States Armed Forces Ribbon. He has also received numerous letters of commendations throughout his career. Sgt. Yanko is a graduate of the Morris County Police Academy. Sheriff Strada thanks each of the above members for their service and congratulates them on their new positions.