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Arrested: Brian L. Dippel, age 20, of Sparta Township, NJ. < Back Man arrested at courthouse for attempting to fake drug test Arrested: Brian L. Dippel, age 20, of Sparta Township, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, Brian Dipple was arrested by Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski after allegedly attempting to defraud the administration of a court ordered drug test. Sheriff’s Officer Galinski immediately took Dippel into custody. Sheriff’s Sergeant Krista Galante and Sheriff’s Officer Lou Cataldo assisted in the arrest. Dippel was charged with attempting to defraud the administration of a drug test and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility on $5,000 bail.

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

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.”

The sheriff’s office will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols from August 16 to September 2, 2013. < Back Crackdown on drunk drivers to begin The sheriff’s office will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols from August 16 to September 2, 2013. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced today that law enforcement officers from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2013 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Beginning August 16 and running through September 2, 2013, law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education. Launched across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the Labor Day holiday period. “Recent surveys indicate that many people harbor the dangerous belief that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road in danger.” In 2012, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 19 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and offers the following advice: If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before you go out. Take mass transit, a taxi, or ask a sober friend to drive you home. Spend the night where the activity is held. Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver. Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver. If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.

Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 14 Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 14, 2019 Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ Race Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Join hundreds of runner/walkers and supporters in the race against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Pre-register by September 4 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 4 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. New this year is a discounted rate of $10 for students who sign up as a team with their respective community or school sports teams. Goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 12K runners/walkers while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top male and female winners overall as well as to the top three in 10-year age groups. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment after the event. Race proceeds will benefit the Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit corporation funded by contributions from local businesses and citizens at no cost to the taxpayer. Individuals who have information relating to a crime or criminal activity in the Sussex County, New Jersey area can receive up to a $1,000.00 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. Tips may be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973.300.CRIME or online anonymous tip form. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Thorlabs as well as our other participating sponsors. Have questions or need more information about the event? Contact Hilary Manser at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

Arrested: Courtney Leigh Devito, age 20, of Andover Township, NJ < Back Andover Township probationer arrested Arrested: Courtney Leigh Devito, age 20, of Andover Township, NJ Previous Next On Tuesday, September 17, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Richard Nikola was advised by probation staff that one of the probationers present that evening, Ms. Courtney L. Devito, was the subject of an outstanding warrant. Officer Nikola detained Ms. Devito until he could confirm the warrant and then placed her under arrest. Devito was subsequently transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Courtney L. Devito was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

Join the race against crime on September 8, 2012 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Run to be held September 8 Join the race against crime on September 8, 2012 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Saturday, September 8, 2012 Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ Race Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Join hundreds of runner/walkers and supporters in the race against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 8, 2012. Pre-register by Saturday, September 1, and fees are $20 for the 5K Run/Walk and $25 for the 10K Run. After September 1 through race day, fees are $25 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K. Register for the race at an external web site T-shirts and goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 10K runners/walkers while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top three male and female winners overall, the top three teams and by age groups. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment after the event. Race proceeds will benefit the Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit corporation funded by contributions from local businesses and citizens at no cost to the taxpayer. Individuals who have information relating to a crime or criminal activity in the Sussex County, New Jersey area can receive up to a $1,000.00 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. Tips may be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973.300.CRIME or online anonymous tip form. Have questions or need more information about the event? Contact Andy Ball at 973.222.8748. 2012 Supporters and Partners Presented by Thorlabs, Inc. Adam Todd Alternative Press of Sussex County Athenia Mason Supply D&H Alternative Risk Solutions Eastern Propane Extreme Energy Solutions Extreme Off Road Glen Vetrano Hardyston Township PBA Local 374 Jersey Gators Swim Team Lakeland Bank Madsen Construction New Jersey Herald The Printing Center R&T Nautilus St. Clare’s Health System Senator Oroho Sheriff Michael Strada Sussex County Community College Sussex County Fairgrounds Sussex County Imports Sponsorship opportunities are still available! If you would like to make a financial contribution or partner with us in this fundraiser, please contact Lt. Larry Beller at 973.579.0865, ext. 2501 for all the details.

Three drug arrests result from the efforts of K-9 Atlas. < Back Sheriff's K-9 assists Hopatcong police at DWI checkpoint Three drug arrests result from the efforts of K-9 Atlas. Previous Next On Friday, December 7, 2012, Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow and his narcotics detection canine “Atlas” were assigned to assist the Hopatcong Police Department at a DWI traffic checkpoint they were conducting. K-9 Atlas searched the exteriors of approximately 25 motor vehicles that drove through the checkpoint that evening. While searching the exterior of three of those vehicles, K-9 Atlas indicated he detected the presence of the odor of narcotics. Subsequent searches of the interiors of those vehicles revealed the presence of controlled dangerous substances in all three cars. A quantity of marijuana was discovered in two of the vehicles and a quantity of crack/cocaine was discovered in the third. All subjects were arrested by Hopatcong police and charged accordingly.

Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on April 28, 2012. < Back Sheriff's office to participate in countywide drug disposal Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on April 28, 2012. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada has announced that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Sussex County Prescription Drug Disposal Day in conjunction with the Center for Prevention & Counseling , the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police and police departments from Andover Township, Byram, Franklin, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Newton, Sparta and Vernon. Unwanted, unused or expired medications will be collected by sheriff’s officers posted at the Sussex Borough A&P on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The A&P is located at 455 Route 23 North in Sussex Borough. There will be additional collection points at the following locations during these same hours: Andover Township Police Department Byram Shop-Rite (Rt. 206) Franklin Borough Police Department Hardyston Municipal Building Medicine Shoppe (50 Hopatchung Rd., Hopatcong) Montague Shop-Rite (Rt. 23/Tristate Mall) Newton Shop Rite (Rt. 206) Sparta Police Department Vernon A&P (Rt. 515) The goal of this program is to provide residents with the opportunity to rid their homes of medications that are no longer needed by turning these medications over to law enforcement officials who will then dispose of the substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner. For more information, please contact the Center for Prevention & Counseling at 973.383.4787.

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.

Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. < Back Sparta Woman’s Club hosts Sheriff Strada Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon held recently at the Lake Mohawk Country Club in Sparta. Sheriff Strada was invited to share a presentation on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office with the audience of fifty members. During the presentation, he spoke about the history of the sheriff’s office, the Bureau of Law Enforcement/Corrections Unit, the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP)/Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP), Emergency Management/Fire Marshal responsibilities along with the many community programs that are in place such as Crime Stoppers, Project Lifesaver, Outbound 9-1-1, Register Ready, D.A.R.E., TRIAD and CERT programs. The presentation, designed to educate the public about the many services that the sheriff’s office provides to the citizens of Sussex County, was followed by a question and answer session. Sheriff Strada would like to encourage any organization which is interested in learning more about the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to contact it at 973.579.0850. Pictured from left to right: Marjorie Strohsahl, Corresponding Secretary/FWCNJ Past President, Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Stevie Fava, Co-President.

< Back PUBLIC NOTICE The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled for an assessment as part of its program to achieve accreditation by verifying that it meets recognized professional best practices. Previous Next Administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with best practice standards in five basic areas: the administrative function, the personnel function, the operations function, the investigative function, and the arrestee/detainee function. Agency employees and the public are invited to offer comments by calling 973-579-0850 ext. 2107 on Thursday, January 26, 2023 between the hours of 10:00AM and 11:00AM. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team. Email comments can be sent to the Sheriff’s Office at at carnott@sussexcountysheriff.com . Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Captain Clayton Arnott at 973-579-0850 ext. 2522 for more information. Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them by email to Harry J Delgado, Ed.S Accreditation Program Director, hdelgado@njsacop.org , or write to the New Jersey State Association of Chief’s of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.