K-9 Blaze had an 8-year career with the sheriff’s office. < Back SCSO mourns the passing of search & rescue K-9 K-9 Blaze had an 8-year career with the sheriff’s office. Previous Next Sheriff Strada is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected death of our search and rescue dog, K-9 Blaze who died suddenly, but peacefully, in his sleep over the weekend. A former service dog for the visually impaired, “Nate” was training at the Seeing Eye in Morristown when he was adopted by Lt. Ellicott in April of 2008. A gentle, docile, dog, “Blaze” as he was renamed by Lt. Ellicott, was so peaceful that he actually had to be taught how to bark. It was this calm, yet playful, demeanor that made him ideally suited for search & rescue work. Upon the completion of his initial training, K-9 Blaze became a certified search & rescue dog on October 19, 2008. Throughout his 8-year career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, K-9 Blaze responded to, and assisted in the location of, over 40 missing juveniles, adults and seniors throughout Sussex County and the surrounding area. Sheriff Strada joins the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the passing of K-9 Blaze and our thoughts are with Lt. Ellicott and his family.

Sheriff's Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is the first and oldest established law enforcement agency in Sussex County. The first sheriff was Joseph Brackenridge. He was appointed on November 12, 1753 and served for eleven months. The second sheriff was Morris Robeson who served as sheriff for three years and that has since been the established term of office. Past Sussex County Sheriffs 1753-54 Joseph Brackenridge 1754-57 Morris Robeson 1757-60 Peter Schenck 1760-63 Issaac Hull 1763-66 Ephraim Darby 1766-69 Jacob Stan 1769-72 Hugh Hughes 1772-75 Thomas Potts 1775-79 Philip Dodderer 1779-82 William Kerr 1782-85 Mark Thompson 1785-88 William Kerr 1788-91 James Hyndshaw 1791-94 Mark Thompson 1794-97 James Hyndshaw 1797-97 Charles Pemberton 1797-03 George Bidelman 1803-06 Charles Pemberton 1806-09 John Gustin 1809-12 Ephraim Green, Jr. 1812-15 John Linn 1815-18 Daniel Swayze 1818-21 William Darrah 1821-24 Van Cleve Moore 1824-25 George Mushback 1825-28 Benjamin Hamilton 1828-31 Lewis DeCamp 1831-34 Uzal C. Hagerty 1834-37 Alexander Boyles 1837-40 John Broderick 1840-43 George H. McCarter 1843-46 Andrew Shiner 1846-49 Joseph A. Osborn 1849-52 George H. Neldon 1852-55 Frederick Arvis 1855-58 Richard E. Edsall 1858-61 Peter S. Decker 1861-64 Charles Arvis 1864-67 James Smith 1867-70 Jesse Ward 1870-73 Thomas Simonson 1873-79 William Ross 1879-83 William L. Decker 1883-85 Jacob E. Hornbeck 1885-88 J.T. Kays 1888-91 Henry C. Stoll 1891-94 William J. Williams 1894-97 Peter S. Gunderman 1897-00 Joseph C. Andress 1900-01 John N. Hotalin 1901-06 Joseph C. Andress 1906-08 Judson Kilpatrick Gunn 1908-11 Joseph C. Andress 1911-12 George N. Harris 1912-16 Edward C. Maines 1916-18 William D. Wilson 1918-22 Israel D. Chardavogne 1922-24 Linus B. Littel 1924-27 B.V. Mackerley 1927-29 Peter H. Lanterman 1929-32 Arthur D. Wilson 1932-35 Claude Paddock 1935-38 Sydney Webster 1938-41 Denton J. Quick 1941-44 Russell Van Atta 1944-47 Clarence Hazen 1947-56 James Skok 1956-84 Gerald “Bucky” Willis 1984-89 Fred Cooper 1989-89 Michael Blahut 1989-10 Robert E. Untig 2011- ____ Michael F. Strada

Sheriff Strada announces the retirement of the 23-year veteran. < Back Sergeant Paul Reiher retires from Bureau of Corrections Sheriff Strada announces the retirement of the 23-year veteran. Previous Next Sheriff Strada announced the retirement of Sergeant Paul Reiher of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections last week. A 1980 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, Sgt. Reiher enlisted in the United States Army following graduation. During his 10 years of military service, he received three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, two Southwest Asia Service Ribbons with Bronze Stars, four overseas ribbons, the Air Assault Badge, and the National Defense Medal. Upon completing his enlistment in December of 1991, Sgt. Reiher left the Army and, shortly after, began his law enforcement career as a Sussex County corrections officer in 1993. A 23-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, throughout his career, Sgt. Reiher received numerous certifications from the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Sussex County Police Chiefs Association, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the State of New Jersey, the Passaic County Police Academy, Rutgers University, Sussex County Community College, the Morris County Police Academy and the NJ State Department of Corrections. In addition to receiving multiple letters of commendation during the course of his career, and the Sheriff’s Achievement Award in 2008, Sgt. Reiher was most recently presented with the Lifesaving Award in October 2015 for his actions during a medical emergency at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Sgt. Reiher is a 1994 graduate of the 141st class of the New Jersey State Department of Corrections Corrections Officer Training Academy, the Passaic County Police Academy’s Supervision of Police Personnel Class, and the Police Supervision Training Program sponsored by Rutgers University. Sheriff Strada congratulates Sgt. Reiher on his retirement and wishes him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

Seven staff members from the Bureau of Corrections were recently promoted. < Back Sheriff Strada announces Bureau of Corrections promotions Seven staff members from the Bureau of Corrections were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Bureau of Corrections. Michael Scuzzese Officer Michael Scuzzese has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. A six-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Sergeant Scuzzese began his law enforcement career in 2010. He currently serves on multiple specialized units for the department. A U.S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy, Sergeant Scuzzese also holds a bachelor’s degree in social science as well as a master’s degree in science of management. Jeremy Lock Corrections Officer Jeremy Lock has been promoted to sergeant. A 1998 High Point Regional High School graduate, Sergeant Lock is an 8-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. In 2013 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his actions in subduing a violent inmate after receiving serious injuries during the altercation. He was named Officer of the Year in 2014. He holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Anthony Masucci Corporal Anthony Masucci has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Masucci began his law enforcement career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 1996. A graduate of the NJ State Police Training Commission Basic Training Course, during his 20 year career with the sheriff’s office, Sergeant Masucci has served as a field training officer, a certified police academy instructor, a certified basic life support/AED instructor, a member of the Special Operations Group with extensive training in high risk transports, cell extractions and hostage rescue team. He is a recipient of the Sheriff’s Achievement Award and Good Conduct Award as well as an active member/rider of the Police Unity Tour. Sergeant Masucci’s most recent assignment has been with the department’s Special Services Division as the supply and logistics officer. Daniel Truppo Corrections Officer Daniel Truppo has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. A 2001 graduate of Lenape Valley Regional High School, Sergeant Truppo began his career at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2003. A 13-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Sergeant Truppo is also a volunteer firefighter. In addition to being a recipient of the Sheriff’s Achievement Award, Sergeant Truppo was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his actions during a fire in the correctional facility’s laundry room in 2005. Erich Olsen Corporal Erich Olsen has been promoted to sergeant. A 20-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, throughout his career, Sergeant Olsen has served as a field training officer, assistant team commander of the special operations group, tactical response unit team leader, training officer, firearms instructor, emergency management team member, police academy instructor, and the Bureau of Corrections armorer. A graduate of the New Jersey State Corrections Officer Training Academy (COTA), Sergeant Olsen is a three time recipient of the Sheriff’s Good Conduct Award as well as the Exceptional Duty Award. Sergeant Olsen is a past vice president of Police Benevolence Association Local 378 and, since 2007, is its current president. Brian Snyder Officer Brian Snyder has been promoted to the rank of corporal. A 15-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Corporal Snyder is the recipient of the Sheriff’s Achievement Award. Corporal Snyder has worked on the S.L.A.P. and S.W.A.P. unit for six years and has received many letters of recognition for his professionalism and dedication to the department. Jeffery Miller Officer Jeffery Miller has been promoted to the rank of corporal. A 15-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Corporal Miller graduated from the Police Academy of Passaic County. Corporal Miller was a recipient of the Sheriff’s Achievement Award in 2008. Sheriff Strada thanks each of the above members for their service and congratulates them on their promotions. Pictured from left to right: Corporal Jeffery Miller, Sergeant Jeremy Lock, Sergeant Anthony Masucci, Sheriff Michael Strada, Warden Mark Farsi, Sergeant Daniel Truppo, Sergeant Michael Scuzzese, Sergeant Erich Olsen.

Correction's Sergeant Will Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was recently promoted to lieutenant. < Back Corrections sergeant promoted to lieutenant Correction's Sergeant Will Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was recently promoted to lieutenant. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Correction’s Sergeant Will Puentes to Correction’s Lieutenant. Lt. Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections, began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 1995. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and assigned to supervise the midnight shift. A member of the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit, Lt. Puentes is a graduate of the New Jersey State Department of Corrections Academy and holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Monmouth University. Commenting on Lt. Puentes’ leadership qualities at the swearing-in ceremony, Sheriff Strada cited Puentes’ exemplary employment history and past supervisory performance as a catalyst in his decision to promote him. “It will be a pleasure having him serve the people of Sussex County and the office of the sheriff. His dedication and chosen career path in the corrections field have shown him to be a conscientious, eager and valuable employee.” Sheriff Strada offered congratulations to Lieutenant Puentes and stated that he knows that “the highest standards and tradition of the office of the sheriff will continue with the promotion of such a fine officer.” Sheriff Strada is also pleased to announce the rank of corporal has been awarded to corrections officers Erich Olsen and Anthony Masucci. Cpl. Olsen and Cpl. Masucci, both 15-year veterans of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections, have worked at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility since 1996.

< Back Bureau of Law Enforcement Welcomes New Officer Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Hires New Officer Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. At a ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Office earlier this morning, Sheriff Strada administered the Oath of Office to Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd. A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2014 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Floyd attended Sussex County Community College where he earned an Associate’s of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Last month, Officer Floyd graduated from the Morris County Police Academy’s 100th Basic Police Course. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Floyd will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Immediately following swearing in Officer Floyd, Sheriff Strada congratulated him, welcomed him to the agency, and wished him success in his career.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to welcome the following new personnel to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office < Back Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to welcome the following new personnel to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to welcome the following new personnel to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to welcome the following new personnel to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Officer Mark DiGeronimo Sheriff’s Officer Nicholas Galvao Sheriff’s Officer Anthony Reed Sheriff’s Investigator Zachary DiGeronimo Sheriff’s Investigator Brittany Macko Of the five new personnel, three have already attended the police academy and are currently working for the Bureau of Law Enforcement. The remaining two will begin their academy training soon. Pictured (L-R) Sheriff's Investigator Zachary Di Geronimo, Sheriff's Officer Mark DiGeronimo, Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Sheriff's Officer Nicholas Galvao, Sheriff's Investigator Brittany Macko, and Sheriff's Officer Anthony Reed. Sheriff Strada welcomes the new personnel and wishes them success in their careers.

Arrested: Jennifer Heinzelman, age 28, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Disorderly conduct at county office results in arrest Arrested: Jennifer Heinzelman, age 28, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, while assigned to the Division of Social Services offices in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Laver observed Jennifer Heinzelman shouting profanities at one of the staff members. Despite repeated requests for her to control herself, Heinzelman continued to verbally berate the staff. At the staff’s request, Sheriff’s Officer Laver instructed Heinzelman to leave the premises, to which she refused. Sheriff’s Officer Laver then attempted to place her into custody at which point she resisted arrest. Heinzelman was eventually taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. She was given summonses to appear in Newton Municipal Court and released.

Arrested: Kenneth Wilkins, age 23, of Branchville, Steven Pierce, age 36, formerly of Stillwater Township and Joseph Selobyt, age 45, of Frankford Township, NJ. < Back Narcotics distributor arrested in Frankford Township Arrested: Kenneth Wilkins, age 23, of Branchville, Steven Pierce, age 36, formerly of Stillwater Township and Joseph Selobyt, age 45, of Frankford Township, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, members of the Sussex County Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Task Force, accompanied by New Jersey State Police troopers and an officer from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, arrested Kenneth Wilkins and Joseph Selobyt during a motor vehicle stop in Frankford Township. Selobyt, who was already the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, was also found to be in possession of 60 bags of cocaine weighing approximately 18 grams and 5 grams of raw (uncut) heroin at the time of his arrest. Both Selobyt and Wilkins were transported to the New Jersey State Police barracks in Augusta for processing before being lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Kenneth Wilkins was charged with aiding in the distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. He remains incarcerated at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail with no 10% option. Joseph Selobyt was charged with six separate counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. He remains incarcerated at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail with no 10% option. On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, members of the Sussex County Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Task Force along with Sussex County Sheriff’s officers conducted additional investigations at Selobyt’s residence. During the course of that investigation, officers discovered additional quantities of cocaine along with packaging materials and other assorted drug paraphernalia. While at that location, officers also discovered Steven Pierce. Further investigation revealed Pierce to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine and a hypodermic syringe. Pierce was subsequently arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce, a fourth degree crime and possession of a hypodermic needle for an unlawful purpose, a disorderly persons offense. Pierce was issued summonses for the above offenses, given a future court date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court, and released on his own recognizance. Upon the discovery of the additional cocaine and packaging materials in his residence, Joseph Selobyt was also charged with maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility. He remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000 bail with no 10% option.

About Administration Under the leadership of Sheriff Michael Strada, the sheriff’s office provides numerous services to the citizens and local police agencies of Sussex County. Professional Standards It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of alleged officer misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen or agency employee. Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the custody and care of incarcerated persons. Bureau of Law Enforcement The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. Communications Center The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center provides regular dispatch services for the sheriff’s office and serves as a PSAP for enhanced 911 calls. Emergency Management The Division of Emergency Management coordinates the efforts of police, fire, EMS, public works, public health and a myriad of volunteer organizations during emergencies. Fire Marshal The fire marshal supports and facilitates the safety of the general public through fire safety education, supporting fire safety legislation and fire prevention education programs to minimize the loss of property and life. Employment The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office hires employees based on the results of an open competitive law enforcement entry level examination given by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Sheriff’s Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office came into existence in 1753 and for well over 200 years now, has steadfastly remained committed to serving the residents of Sussex County. .

Four members of the Bureau of Corrections were recently honored for exceptional and meritorious service. < Back Four honored for service Four members of the Bureau of Corrections were recently honored for exceptional and meritorious service. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada honored several corrections officers for exceptional and meritorious service in a ceremony held at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office last Wednesday. Sergeant George Arnot was awarded the Exceptional Duty Medal in recognition of his tireless dedication and professionalism while serving as county coordinator for the Sussex County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) . In addition to those duties, Sgt. Arnot also serves as the deputy emergency management coordinator for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections as well as being an incident management team member in the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The Exceptional Duty Medal is awarded to those sheriff’s personnel who, as a result of training, devotion to duty, or service to the public, bring acclaim to themselves, the office, or the police profession. Sergeant Arnot has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1989. He is currently the Bureau of Corrections chief training officer. Corporal Walter Chadwick was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his actions during a residential structure fire in Stillwater Township on October 14, 2011. Cpl. Chadwick’s efforts to evacuate civilians in nearby residences, in complete disregard of his own personal safety, potentially saved the lives of multiple residents. His alertness and rapid response ensured those residents’ safety. The Meritorious Service Award is awarded to any sheriff’s personnel who succeed in a highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard of life and limb or where death or injury to a third party is prevented. A certified hazardous materials technician and member of the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT), Cpl. Chadwick has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1997. He is currently assigned to supervise the Sheriff’s Work Assistance and Labor Assistance programs . Corrections Officer Nicholas Pampanin and Corrections Officer Michael Scuzzese were awarded the Honorable Service Award in recognition of their successful efforts to prevent an inmate from harming himself during an attempted suicide on October 14, 2011. Officers Pampanin and Scuzzese, through their alertness and decisive actions, prevented the further harm and possible death of that inmate. Corrections Officer Pampanin has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2009; Corrections Officer Scuzzese has served since 2010. Both are currently assigned to the 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. shift. Sheriff Strada congratulates each of the above named personnel for their accomplishments and thanks them for their continued service.

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.”