Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce a new program being offered to senior citizens in our county. < Back New TRIAD senior wristband program debuts Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce a new program being offered to senior citizens in our county. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce a new program being offered to senior citizens in our county. Upon request, Sussex County TRIAD will now provide black and gold silicone wristbands to every senior citizen of Sussex County free of charge. The bands are engraved with “SC Sheriff 973-579-0888” and a registration number. That number will be used to register all participating senior citizens with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office should the senior citizen be unable to communicate with emergency personnel. The TRIAD organization will obtain and keep secure the following from the senior citizen: name, address, phone number, emergency contact persons and the senior’s physician information. This information will be available to assist any police, fire and EMS agency by calling the telephone number on the band and giving the dispatcher the registration number. This will assist any first responder in identifying a senior citizen in need who may be unable to communicate with the responder. Several businesses and individual donors have come forward to sponsor the cost of the program. The successful implementation of this program was made possible, in large part, thanks to the generous donations of the following Sussex County businesses: The Senior Quality of Life Foundation (SEQUAL) Smith-McCracken Funeral Home The Morville Agency, a Division of Bollinger Insurance Illiff-Ruggiero Funeral Home The Mitchell Agency If you are interested in learning more about the TRIAD program or are interested in sponsoring the wristband program, please contact Hilary Manser at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114. From l to r: Louis R. Ruggiero, CEO Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home and SEQUAL trustee; Maryann Fox, SEQUAL trustee; Tom Caines, SEQUAL president and trustee; Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada; Maryanne Klenke, SEQUAL trustee; Lorraine Hentz, SEQUAL trustee; Cindy Peterson, SEQUAL treasurer and trustee; and Denise Minimi, SEQUAL secretary and trustee.

Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home < Back Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home Previous Next On Thursday, June 20, 2013, while assigned to civil process in the Vernon Township area, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords encountered Robbie Carrier and Derek Hall at Carrier’s residence. While speaking with Carrier at her front door, Officer Swords detected an obvious odor of marijuana. He advised Carrier that he suspected she was in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and asked for her consent to search the residence. Carrier allowed Officer Swords inside and consented to a search. Further investigation revealed Hall and Carrier to be in possession of over 282 grams of marijuana, approximately 1,500 pills of phenobarbital and $2,700 in United States currency. Carrier and Hall were both arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Each was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount in excess of 50 grams, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (prescription legend drugs), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were issued summonses for the violations and given future court dates to appear in Vernon Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray, Sheriff’s Corporal Dan Storey and detectives from the Vernon Township Police Department assisted in the arrests.

Jeffrey Chandler will attend the statewide Leadership Excellence Direct Results (LEDR) program in August. < Back Sheriff nominates Newton youth for leadership program Jeffrey Chandler will attend the statewide Leadership Excellence Direct Results (LEDR) program in August. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently announced that he has nominated Jeffrey Chandler of Newton to participate in the inaugural session of the statewide Leadership Excellence Direct Results (LEDR) program. Developed by the Team Eagle Foundation in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America, LEDR is a week-long retreat designed to give 14 to 20 year old students a chance to explore their leadership skills, to connect with peers and to learn how to get involved in their communities. The program will be held in August at Camp Winnebago at no cost to the participants. “It was my pleasure to nominate Jeffrey for this excellent program. His involvement in community service and his status as Cadet Senior Airman - Civil Air Patrol, Juvenile Justice Academy and Trooper Youth Week graduate makes him the perfect choice,” stated Sheriff Strada. With respect to the program, Sheriff Strada added, “the New Jersey Sheriff’s Association has played a pivotal role in the development of the LEDR, both as financial and curriculum partners. This program can only benefit our society by developing understanding citizens who care about their communities.”

Four members of the sheriff’s office were recently recognized for their service. < Back Sheriff Strada presents awards to officers Four members of the sheriff’s office were recently recognized for their service. 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 service. Corrections Officer William Martin was presented with the Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Award for his actions in rendering medical aid to the victims of a motor vehicle accident he witnessed while off duty. The Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Award is awarded to officers who have performed a highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life and limb. On January 8, 2013, Officer Martin’s father, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) William Martin, Sr. who was a member of the Stillwater Emergency Rescue Squad, was operating an ambulance in Stillwater Township, transporting a severely burned patient to a medical evacuation area to be airlifted. While driving, Mr. Martin suffered a sudden and massive heart attack. Realizing he was having some sort of coronary incident, EMT Martin quickly told the paramedics in the rear of the vehicle to “hold on” and attempted to pull off the road. He was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, however, and subsequently crashed into a pole resulting in downed electrical wires hanging over the ambulance. Officer Martin, who was coincidentally nearby at the time of the accident, heard the sound of the collision and ran to the crash site to render aid, unaware that one of the victims was his father. Upon arrival, he assessed the scene and, disregarding his personal safety, entered the ambulance to determine the level of injury of those inside. It was at that point that Officer Martin realized who the driver was. Upon verifying that the paramedics in the rear of the vehicle were not seriously injured, Officer Martin assisted in removing his father from the wrecked vehicle. After checking his pulse and determining him to be unresponsive, Officer Martin then performed CPR on EMT Martin in the roadway until he was relieved. EMT Martin was transported to Newton Medical Center with CPR in progress. Unfortunately, despite Officer Martin’s valiant efforts, EMT Martin did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Officer William Martin has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since January 2013. Corrections Officer Jeremy Locke was presented with the Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Award for his actions in restraining a resistant and extremely violent inmate. On June 23, 2013 Officer Locke was escorting an unruly prisoner back to his cell. Upon arriving at the cell, the inmate refused to enter and struck Officer Locke near his right eye also causing injury to his nose. Officer Locke was knocked down and his vision momentarily impaired. Officer Locke sustained several facial fractures, severe bleeding from his nose, and serious damage to the bones surrounding his eye. Despite these injuries, Officer Locke immediately got back up and assisted another officer in restraining the inmate before he could cause additional harm to others. Officer Jeremy Locke has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since February 2008. Sergeant James Milnor , Corrections Officer Kyle Keller and Corrections Officer William Martin were each presented with the Sheriff’s Honorable Service Award for their actions in thwarting an inmate from attempting suicide. The Sheriff’s Honorable Service Award is awarded to a member of the Sheriff’s Office who performs a creditable act in the line of duty which meets some, but not all the requirements for other medals, unusual in nature, showing initiative and accomplishment. On May 4, 2013, Corrections Officer Keller responded to a request for assistance for an inmate attempting suicide. Upon arrival, Officer Keller observed one of the inmates attempting to hang himself with a noose fashioned from a bedsheet. Officer Keller entered the inmate’s cell and immediately lifted him up off the ground to release the tension and prevent further strangulation. Shortly thereafter, Officer Martin arrived and assisted Keller in lifting the inmate while Sergeant Milnor cut the noose. The inmate was then medically evaluated, placed on a suicide watch and transferred to another area of the facility. The actions of Sergeant Milnor, Officer Keller and Officer Martin unquestionably prevented the inmate from successfully taking his own life. Sergeant James Milnor has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since May 2003. Officer Kyle Keller has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since May 2010. Sheriff Strada congratulates each of these officers, thanks them for their service, and wishes them continued success in their careers.

Arrested: Russell Decker, age 29, of Sussex Borough, NJ. < Back Fugitive jumps out window to evade arrest, captured anyway Arrested: Russell Decker, age 29, of Sussex Borough, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, December 5, 2012, sheriff’s detectives Matt Caine and William Lunger located Russell Decker at his residence in Sussex Borough. Upon hearing detectives Caine and Lunger identify themselves, and correctly surmising there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Decker jumped out of a second floor window and ran away from the residence to escape capture. Detectives Caine and Lunger, along with multiple other sheriff’s officers, several New Jersey State Police troopers, and a sheriff’s K-9 unit were deployed to the area but were unable to locate Decker. An additional warrant was subsequently issued for Russell Decker charging him with resisting arrest by flight and obstruction of the administration of law. Five days later, on Monday, December 10, 2012, detectives Caine and Lunger again located Russell Decker at his residence in Sussex Borough. Decker again attempted to evade capture, this time by hiding underneath his bed. Decker was located under the bed and taken into custody. Further investigation revealed a small quantity of marijuana on his person. Decker was issued summonses for resisting arrest and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and given a future court date to appear in Wantage Municipal Court. Decker was transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains lodged in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10% option.

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.

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.”

Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. < Back Sergeant named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Previous Next Recently, Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. JSMART is a cooperative effort between the 21 sheriff’s offices of New Jersey, the United States Marshals Service, the New Jersey State Police, and the Court & Judicial Security Unit of the state judiciary which is responsible for the provision of a statewide task force to protect the judiciary and the maintenance of a statewide protective intelligence database. Sgt. Galante has been with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2003, serving in both the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Since JSMART’s inception in 2015, Sgt. Galante has been a core committee member, ultimately being named JSMART statewide communications coordinator in 2017, a role in which she still currently serves. Sheriff Strada congratulates Sgt. Galante on her well deserved recognition and wishes her continued success in her career. Sgt. Krista Galante pictured with Robin Morante, State of NJ Superior Court Chief of Court & Judicial Security.

Four recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. < Back Bureau of Corrections recent academy graduates Four recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. Previous Next On April 13, 2017 the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections had four recruits successfully graduate the Morris County Police Academy. Officer Jake Costello is 26 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on April 25, 2016. His educational experience includes a diploma from Vernon Township High School in 2008, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Seton Hall University in 2012. Officer Costello has been in the New Jersey Army National Guard for three years and is currently a sergeant in a cavalry scout unit. He was the class president while in the academy, and also was awarded the Merit Award, Physical Training Award, and Firearms Award. Officer Alyssa Jodexnis is 25 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on December 14, 2015. She has been a great addition to the department and always conducts herself with pride and professionalism. Officer Alexis Cruz is 26 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on December 14, 2015. Her educational experience includes a diploma from Vernon Township High School in 2009. She is a great addition to the department and conducts herself with pride and professionalism. Officer Jennifer Demarest is 30 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on March 4, 2016. Her educational experience includes a diploma from Sussex County Technical School in 2004, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Felician College in 2013. She is a great addition to the department and conducts herself with pride and professionalism. Sheriff Michael F. Strada congratulates all of the graduates and wishes them the best of luck in their law enforcement careers.

$5,000.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to support cancer prevention, research and education. < Back SCSO raises $5,000 during No-Shave November $5,000.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to support cancer prevention, research and education. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office concluded “No-Shave November” by raising $5,000 for cancer awareness. Over 65 officers and administration participated by forgoing shaving and collecting donations for this worthy charity. The non-profit group, No-Shave November’s mission is devoted to “growing” cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education. Sheriff Michael Strada, who participated as well, said “I am proud of the efforts made by our officers as we had far more participants this year than in the past. I would like to thank those who donated and we look forward to participating and raising more funds next year.”

Richard Gannon vs Lauren Russell < Back Upcoming sheriff’s sale of assets Richard Gannon vs Lauren Russell Previous Next Docket #FM 19-39-05 Richard Gannon vs Lauren Russell On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., the following asset will be sold at a public sale on the premises of AA-1 Storage located at 155 Brooks Flat Road, Ogdensburg, NJ: One 2006 Caterpillar 303.5 Excavator, Vin #VDMY00785 This sale was previously scheduled to take place March 12 and then March 15, 2013. All items are sold in an ‘as is’ condition. Purchaser must pay purchase price at the time of sale in cash or certified check made payable to the Sussex County Sheriff and remove the items following the sale. The sheriff reserves the right to adjourn these sales; the foregoing scheduled dates are subject to change. For more information. contact the Civil Process Unit at 973.579.0850.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada presented several members of his staff with awards for exceptional service at an awards ceremony held on October 30, 2025. In July, 2025, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office held its inaugural Junior Sheriff’s Academy. The success of this comprehensive program that provided Sussex County youths with valuable instruction in law enforcement, civic responsibility, leadership and personal growth could not have been accomplished without the following officers: Sergeant Joseph Cahill – Exception Duty Medal Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell – Exceptional Duty Medal Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell, Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell Corporal Robert Schilling – Honorable Service Award Corporal Jennifer Vanderwende – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Decker – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer – Honorable Service Award Sheriff Strada, Corporal Jennifer Vanderwende, Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Decker Investigator William Cisko – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Steven Sugar – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller, Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd, Sheriff’s Officer Steven Sugar, Investigator William Cisko Detective Michael Scott – Letter of Commendation Detective Nicholas Galvao – Letter of Commendation Detective Justin McCann – Letter of Commendation Corporal James Aumick – Letter of Commendation Corporal Jamie Caravaggio – Letter of Commendation Public Safety Telecommunicator Andrea Wehrenberg – Letter of Commendation Sheriff Strada, Detective Justin McCann, Detective Michael Scott, Corporal James Aumick, Corporal Jamie Caravaggio Sheriff Strada stated: “Their work not only strengthened community trust but also brought public acclaim to this Office and the law enforcement profession”. Recently, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office recognized the need to modernize its duty weapon. Extensive research was conducted, and this resulted in the Sheriff’s Office obtaining a new duty weapon. This new handgun featured advanced features such as a red dot sighting system and weapon mounted flashlight. The following officers were recognized for their work in researching, developing and training with this new handgun. Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti – Honorable Service Award Sergeant John Freykar – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Ken Farber – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Centrelli – Honorable Service Award Investigator William Cisko – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Centrelli, Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti, Investigator William Cisko, Sheriff’s Officer Ken Farber Sheriff Strada acknowledged how proud he was of all of the work the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office perform on a daily basis. He also expressed how supportive our county residents are towards the law enforcement community in Sussex County.