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Arrested: Christina Talmadge, age 34, of Montague Township, NJ. < Back Woman arrested after driving to MVC with suspended license Arrested: Christina Talmadge, age 34, of Montague Township, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed Christina Talmadge operating a motor vehicle. Knowing her driving privileges to be suspended, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty stopped Talmadge’s vehicle. Further investigation revealed she was also the subject of an outstanding warrant from Frankford Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty immediately took Talmadge into custody and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where she was processed, given a future court date and released on her own recognizance.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run < Back SCSO Participates in Special Olympics Torch Run This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run Previous Next Early this morning, members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, as well as members of the greater Sussex County Law Enforcement community, joined the more than 3,000 officers that are taking to the streets of their local communities as “Guardians of the Flame” on one of 26 separate routes to help carry the "Flame of Hope” a distance of nearly 750 miles throughout the Garden State to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey. Although our members participate each year, this year is particularly special as it marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run. In 1982, the late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was asked to take photos at a local Special Olympics competition in New Jersey. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer at the Summer Games. In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick, through eight towns, covering 43 miles and raising $7,000. In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially. Driven by the willingness of the New Jersey Law Enforcement officers to do more, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began to expand over the years. New fundraising events and initiatives were created and held throughout the Garden State to promote the Special Olympics movement. With over $4 million raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized in the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Fundraising events that are conducted year-round in New Jersey include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign for the annual Torch Run, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull and golf outings to name a few. In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, while serving as ambassadors in local communities. This year’s Annual Torch Run will precede the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games taking place at the College of NJ campus in Ewing, NJ from June 9-11. For more information or to make a donation in support of Special Olympics New Jersey please visit their website at https://www.njtorchrun.org/ Sheriff Strada is immensely proud of all the participating officers and congratulates them on their involvement in this very worthy cause.

Arrested: Katie D. Herburger and Jessica M. Lemasson, both age 19, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Newton teenagers arrested for DWI Arrested: Katie D. Herburger and Jessica M. Lemasson, both age 19, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 7:15 a.m. on the morning of Monday, February 4, 2013, while traveling in Hampton Township, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger observed a motor vehicle operated by Katie Herburger fail to maintain her lane of traffic and fail to stop at a traffic light. Detective Lunger initiated a motor vehicle stop on the car and walked up to speak with the driver. While Detective Lunger was speaking with Herburger, Captain George Kately arrived on scene to assist. After speaking with Herburger and observing her attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Captain Kately found her to be intoxicated. Further investigation revealed Lemasson to be intoxicated as well. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where they were processed and released to the care of a responsible party. Katie Herburger was issued summonses for underage consumption of alcohol, driving while intoxicated, failure to keep right and failure to observe a traffic signal. Jessica Lemasson was issued summonses for underage consumption of alcohol and allowing an intoxicated driver to operate a motor vehicle. Both were released pending future court appearances in Hampton Township Joint Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

Fire Marshal Fire Marshal: Mark Snook Fire Coordinator: Jonathan Frato Sussex County’s fire marshal is under the aegis of the sheriff’s office. Duties and responsibilities include the following: Enforce New Jersey’s Uniform Fire Code in county-owned buildings and assist local fire officials with enforcement of same. Coordinate activities once a fire-related incident has grown beyond a local fire department’s span of control. Coordinate the investigation of every fire incident occurring within Sussex County. Allocate available fire service resources for out-of-county deployment when requested by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety in accordance with the Fire Service Resource Emergency Deployment Act. Oversee the efforts of the Sussex County Fire Prevention Association in educating the community about fire safety. Administer the Juvenile Fire Watch Program within Sussex County. Serve as liaison between the Sussex County Firemen’s Association, the Sussex County Fire Chief’s Association and county administrators for all fire safety and fire service matters. Have questions? For more information, please call 973.579.0380. Online Portal : https://sussexcshfsdeptnj.tylerportico.com/payments/billsearch/ The above link will direct you to a new page for the following: New Business Registrations Smoke Detector Compliance Inspections (Branchville Boro, Fredon Twp., Green Twp. And Newton) Application for Fire Permits (Andover Boro, Andover Twp., Branchville Boro, Franklin Boro, Fredon Twp., Green Twp., Newton, Stanhope Boro, Stillwater Twp. And The Sussex County Technical School) Online Invoice Payment Fire Department Resources »

Employment/Recruitment The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently selects candidates in the following manners; The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is a New Jersey Civil Service Commission employer and as such, is governed by the rules prescribed by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Job candidates are selected from eligibility lists that are supplied to us by the state. Qualified veterans are placed at the top of these eligibility lists, ahead of non-veterans, regardless of their scores. Intergovernmental Transfer eligible candidates can also be selected by applying to transfer, following established Civil Service Commission rules and applicable laws and regulations pursuant to NJSA 40A:14-180 and 4A:4-3.9 and 3.10 . Candidates who have not taken the Civil Service examination can still apply under the provisions of NJSA 11A:4-1.3 which authorizes the appointment of a probationary entry level law enforcement officer. The Sheriff, pursuant to the rules and regulations of NJSA 40A:9-117a , can appoint Sheriff’s Investigators, who shall have the same compensation, benefits, powers and status as is granted to Sheriff’s Officers. When these positions become available, eligible candidates are contacted, background investigations are conducted to include satisfactorily complying with the New Jersey Police Training Commission requirements, interviews take place and selections are made. Selected candidates are sent for a battery of pre-employment tests and evaluations to ascertain fitness for duty. Once a candidate successfully completes those phases, they are scheduled to begin the appropriate training. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals wishing to obtain information about pursuing a career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office can contact our office directly by submitting an inquiry at the bottom of this page. Current Job Postings Available Positions as of: October 30th 2025 Sheriff’s Investigator Sheriff’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer Some Civil Service Requirements Include : Benefits -Minimum 18 Years Old -Minimum Starting Salary $49,455 -HS Diploma or Equivalent -Paid Leave Time -United States Citizen -Medical/Prescription/Dental Eligibility -Valid New Jersey Driver’s License -PFRS/PERS Pension -Successfully Complete an Accredited Training Program -Deferred Compensation Plan Eligibility -Satisfactorily Comply with NJPTC Licensing Requirements -Others Outlined by Local PBA 138 Contract

Arrested: Benjamin J. Reid, age 19, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Traffic stop results in assorted drug charges Arrested: Benjamin J. Reid, age 19, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, December 2, 2011, while conducting traffic enforcement in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty initiated a motor vehicle stop on a car being driven by Benjamin Reid. Further investigation by Haggerty revealed Reid to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia. Reid was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute in an amount less than one ounce (a crime of the fourth degree) and possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense. He was given a future court date and released. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit assisted in the investigation.

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.

Do not fall for this latest scam threatening arrest for unpaid debts. < Back Telephone Scam Do not fall for this latest scam threatening arrest for unpaid debts. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada would like to warn residents of a telephone scam targeting Sussex County. Some Sussex County residents have reported receiving telephone calls within the last few days from someone stating they are calling from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. The caller says that you will be arrested if you do not satisfy a particular debt. They give a case number and a call back number. Do not fall for this latest scam. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is not making these calls . If you have received a call threatening arrest by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, please call the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office at 973.383.1570, ext. 4526.

Arrested: Gerard J. Pollastro, age 40, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Sheriff's officers arrest Wantage man for DWI Arrested: Gerard J. Pollastro, age 40, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 10:00 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, December 20, 2012, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling was assigned to traffic enforcement within Wantage Township. While patrolling that area, she observed a motor vehicle operated by Gerard Pollastro failing to maintain his lane of traffic. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, speaking with Pollastro, and observing him attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling found him to be intoxicated. Officer Schilling took Pollastro into custody and transported him back to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released pending a future court appearance in Wantage Township Municipal Court. He was issued summonses for reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and driving while intoxicated. Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty and Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

Arrested: George Meyer, age 59, of Franklin, NJ. < Back Sheriff&'s officers arrest Franklin man at home Arrested: George Meyer, age 59, of Franklin, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, November 29, 2012, sheriff’s officers John Swords and Chris Megna were assigned to warrant apprehension duties. At approximately 9:45 p.m., officers Swords and Megna located George Meyer at his residence. He was the subject of multiple outstanding arrest warrants from local municipalities. Meyer was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he is currently lodged in lieu of $639.00 bail.

$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 .

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. < Back New sheriff’s K-9 team graduates training academy Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. On February 22, 2019, the team of K-9 “Nutmeg,” a one and a half year old bloodhound, and Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young completed an extensive 10-week training program provided by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office comprised of instruction in both canine obedience and human tracking. Speaking during a small gathering at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office last week, Sheriff Strada congratulated Det. Young on her graduation. Said the sheriff, “The effective utilization of competent and well trained K-9 teams is an integral part of successful contemporary law enforcement. To that end, we are pleased to offer the services of K-9 Nutmeg and Sheriff’s Detective Young to the municipal law enforcement agencies of Sussex County.” The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently has three K-9 teams, offering specialized services in both narcotics detection and suspect location.