Get rid of unused/outdated prescription drugs on Saturday, November 12, 2011. < Back Sussex County Prescription Drug Disposal Day Get rid of unused/outdated prescription drugs on Saturday, November 12, 2011. 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 cooperation with the Center for Prevention & Counseling and the Hopatcong Police Department. Unused or outdated prescription drugs will be collected by sheriff’s officers posted at the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) on Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The SCMUA is located at 34 South, Route 94 in Lafayette Township. Residents are encouraged to bring all unused or expired over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs for safe disposal such as: drugs that did not work for you, a family member, or pet drugs that are no longer used or from deceased family members unknown tablets or capsules The Hopatcong Police Department is also participating in the program this Saturday and will have a police officer posted at the Medicine Shoppe located at 50 Hopatchung Road in Hopatcong between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the Center for Prevention & Counseling at 973.383.4787.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement. Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada and the staff at the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center would like to congratulate, dispatch supervisor, Andrea Wehrenberg on her retirement after a combined 30 years of service. Andrea started dispatching for Newton Police Department in July of 1991 and worked there until March of 2020. Andrea was also a police matron and training officer for most of her 27 years at the department. In 2015 Andrea became a full-time dispatcher for Sussex County communications when the center first opened. She was quickly promoted to supervisor in March of 2016 due to her qualifications, experience and ability to lead. Andrea has become a pillar in the Sussex County communications Center. She is the training coordinator for the Communication center, TAC officer, most senior Supervisor, and our go to person for anything we may need help with professionally or personal. She single handed created our new training program and she has achieved numerous awards throughout her time here including dispatcher of the month multiple times, countless CPR saves, letters of commendation, and more. Andrea is also the only dispatcher to receive a stork pin after giving instructions via 911 to deliver a baby. All of the staff at the Sussex County Communications Center. extend our best wishes to her in her retirement and recognize that her presence here will most certainly be missed. Pictured left to right, 911 Communications Center Director Mark Rozek, Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg and Sheriff Michael F. Strada

View the race results. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Race Results View the race results. Previous Next Participants raced against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 6, 2014. View the race results Thank you to our sponsors and all who took part in this great event. See you next year!

Arrested: Angel N. Robles, age 21, of Vernon, NJ < Back Probationer arrested by sheriff’s officer Arrested: Angel N. Robles, age 21, of Vernon, NJ Previous Next On Tuesday, September 3, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Johnny Swords observed Angel N. Robles. Believing Robles to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant, Officer Swords detained him. Upon confirmation of the warrant, Robles was arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Robles was initially lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. He has since been sentenced to serve an additional 30 days in the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP).

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.

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.

The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. < Back 2017 Bureau of Corrections awards day The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. Bureau of Corrections Awards Day is intended to recognize and commend the actions of both sworn and civilian personnel employed with the Bureau of Corrections who have earned awards and gone above and beyond the scope of their normal duties throughout the last calendar year. This year encompassed a wide variety of recognition across the spectrum, and included some past awardees who have yet had the opportunity to be formally recognized. Among the distinguished guests were Sheriff Mike Strada, Freeholder Sylvia Petillo, Warden Mark Farsi, Undersheriff Lee Liddy, Captain Will Puentes and Captain Larry Beller. Sergeant Anthony Masucci and Officer Richard Cullen led the group in the pledge of allegiance, followed by a thoughtful and inspiring invocation from Deacon Wayne Vondoehren, who volunteers his personal time at the jail for church and spiritual programs devoted to the rehabilitation and support of those incarcerated. Kind words from both the sheriff and freeholder included that corrections staff are subjected to some of the toughest conditions on a daily basis, and that being able to recognize their outstanding efforts on a formal basis is of utmost importance. A segment of Freeholder Sylvia Petillo’s speech reverberated throughout those in attendance when she explained that one of the most prominent aspects she has discovered within the Bureau of Corrections was “pride”—not a selfish type of pride, but a stewardship toward the selfless service that staff, both sworn and civilian, convey on a daily basis, often without recognition or public acclaim. The formal portion of the ceremony was closed by Captain Will Puentes, who thanked all of the attendees, recipients, staff and family members in attendance that made the day possible. Staff, family and friends were warmly welcomed to stay for cake, coffee and pictures following the event. The following are a list of recipients and awards, in order of precedence: Good Conduct Award Awarded to sworn staff members for a consecutive of four years of service without written reprimand or higher discipline. Officer Jose Rivera Corporal Edward Kayal Officer Paul Liobe Officer John Boeren Officer William Martin Community Service Award Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members who devote personal time and energy to a community-based service. Sergeant Erich Olsen Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members who go above and beyond their normal scope of duties. Tehmina Ali Tehmina goes above and beyond her normal scope of duties for our staff members in the facility, providing fresh cooked meals, mixing up the menu, and often times using her own personal ingredients or items. She is always in great spirits, is a pleasure to work with and a reliable employee. Her work ethic and positivity are recognized and appreciated and we are grateful to have her on our team. Certificate of Achievement Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members for a specific achievement within the scope of their duty to the department or field of law enforcement. Susan McIntyre In March of 2016, Sue McIntyre was able to detect the attempted use of a fraudulent check by an inmate for bail purposes. Her efforts stopped an inmate from possible release. This level of attention to detail reflects great credit upon her work ethic, and reflects positively on our organization as a whole. Honorable Service Medal Awarded for diligence and initiative in the line of duty. Sergeant Andrew Boden Officer Robert Cottrell On May 18, 2016, Sgt. Andrew Boden and Ofc. Robert Cottrell responded to a report of a fire in the laundry area. They assisted Ofc. Blohm in a smoke-filled environment to clear smoke from the building and check for further spread of fire. Both Boden and Cottrell put themselves at risk to help control a situation and prevent the spread of the fire and control the smoke in the building that could have resulted in adverse effects on all employees and inmates in the facility that night. Meritorious Service Medal Awarded for a highly unusual accomplishment, under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life and limb to the nominee or where death or injury to a third party is prevented. Officer Todd Blohm On May 18, 2016, Ofc. Todd Blohm responded to the report of a fire in the laundry area. Ofc. Blohm rushed to the area and made sure the inmate laundry worker was clear from the area. He retrieved a fire extinguisher and returned to the laundry room which was filling with smoke and extinguished the fire. He continued to work on checking that the fire had not spread into other parts of the laundry area as the smoke condition worsened. Ofc. Blohm put himself at risk to help control a situation and prevent the spread of fire and control the smoke in the building that could have had adverse effects on all employees and inmates in the facility that night. Wound Medal Awarded for a wound received in the line of duty, inflicted intentionally, resulting in severe puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures or concussion being suffered by nominee. Sergeant Jeremy Lock Corporal Jason Kimble On June 23, 2016, Sgt. Lock was assaulted by a combative inmate where he sustained major injuries to his face and jaw. Sgt. Lock was able to fight through his sustained injuries and continue to fend off the attack from the inmate until backup arrived and the inmate was finally controlled. Sgt. Lock suffered broken facial bones and had his jaw wired as a result of the punches he sustained during this incident. After requiring facial surgery and months of recuperation, Sgt. Lock returned to his duties in full capacity. On January 11, 2013, while escorting inmate Giuseppe Tedesco at Superior Court for sentencing on a murder conviction, the inmate was required to be restrained after mouthing obscenities to the jurors and making a verbal threat to a member of his victim’s family. While attempting to gain control and remove Tedesco to a holding cell, the inmate continued to violently resist and not comply with verbal orders. The inmate was taken to the floor by officers, resulting in Cpl. Kimble sustaining a head injury and a fractured right fibula. This major injury resulted in months of rehabilitation, with Cpl. Kimble returning to his duties in full capacity. Employee of the Year Awarded for dedication to duty, diligence, professionalism and outstanding representation of the organization. The employee of the years’ service to the department is invaluable and brings credit upon the individual, the Bureau of Corrections, and the Office of the Sheriff. Officer Robert Cottrell Ofc. Cottrell has been employed with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since January 2, 2007, and has been an outstanding officer throughout his tenure. He has also served in the military during his employment with the sheriff’s office. Ofc. Cottrell was the recipient of Employee of the Month for August 2016 for exceptional duty in diffusing an inmate altercation while effectively administering OC spray. His quick actions and professionalism prevented an inmate from becoming seriously injured. Ofc. Cottrell was also recognized for exceptional duty in observing suspicious behavior of an inmate which resulted in the discovery of contraband in the facility. Without Ofc. Cottrell’s attention to detail and outstanding performance, this contraband may have not been discovered, potentially causing harm to an inmate or subsequently a staff member. Ofc. Cottrell is a member of our Special Operations Group and is an integral part of almost every SOG operation. He has assisted in a wide variety of background investigations for applicants and potential new hires and assists with recruit physical training assessments. He has developed a specific fitness plan for several officers to help them throughout their training period prior to the academy. Ofc. Cottrell is one of our most relied upon field training officers and is also heavily relied upon by supervisors to assist in the training process. Ofc. Cottrell is respected by his peers and supervisors alike and is used on many occasions for details of high importance or substantial public visibility. Ofc. Cottrell has valuable insight into corrections-based critical tasks and provides critiques, feedback and departmental integration regarding any training that he attends. Ofc. Cottrell is willing and able to perform above and beyond his call of duty and perform any task he is assigned. On more than one occasion, Ofc. Cottrell has obtained valuable information from inmates, which has assisted the facility in detecting contraband, suspicious and illegal activity. Ofc. Cottrell is an outstanding officer whose positive manner, actions and professionalism reflects greatly upon the Bureau of Corrections and the Office of the Sheriff. Ofc. Cottrell is a great role model for junior officers and an invaluable resource to our team. Sheriff Strada congratulates all of the recipients and looks forward to another successful awards program for both the officers and civilians of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Pictured from left to right: Sergeant Jeremey Lock, Officer Todd Blohm, Officer Robert Cottrell, Corporal Jason Kimble, Sheriff Mike Strada, Susan McIntyre, Freeholder Sylvia Petillo, Tehmina Ali, Officer Jose Rivera, Sergeant Erich Olsen, Sergeant Andrew Boden.

Arrested: Joseph F. Zalewski, age 19, and Mackenzie S. Healy, age 19, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Disabled motor vehicle leads to drug arrest Arrested: Joseph F. Zalewski, age 19, and Mackenzie S. Healy, age 19, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 15, 2012, while on county-wide mobile patrol, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords encountered a disabled motor vehicle on the side of a road in Hampton Township. Sheriff’s Officer Swords pulled over to assist the occupants of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the presence of a quantity of marijuana and a smoking pipe. Both Zalewski and Healy were arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where they were processed and released pending a future court date in Green/Fredon/Hampton/Andover Borough Joint Municipal Court. Joseph Zalewski was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. Mackenzie Healy was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arrested: Jonathon Sung Back, age 19, of New City, NY. < Back NY man arrested in Sparta for DWI Arrested: Jonathon Sung Back, age 19, of New City, NY. Previous Next On Sunday, August 18, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Sergeant John Gray observed a black BMW, operated by Mr. Back, speeding and failing to maintain his lane on Route 94 in Sparta Township. Sergeant Gray initiated a motor vehicle stop and interviewed Mr. Back. Upon further investigation, Sergeant Gray determined Mr. Back was intoxicated. Additionally, Back was found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Back was arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was issued summonses for DWI, speeding, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, possession of an open container/alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount less than 1/2 ounce, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia Back was given a future court date to appear in Sparta Township Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible party. Sheriff’s officers Samantha Schilling and Johnny Swords assisted in the arrest.

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.

< Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Commissions the Sussex Technical School’s Graphic Arts Class to Design New Logo for Rescue Vehicle Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently called upon the students in the Sussex Technical School’s Graphic Design class to develop a new and modern Sheriff’s Office badge logo for their Polaris All Terrain Rescue Vehicle. Working closely with the Graphic Design teacher, Mr. Steven Styles, the class was able to design and submit multiple entries for Sheriff Strada’s review. Ms. Gabrielle Singer, a graduating Senior from the Sussex Technical School designed the winning submission. “This was a project that I felt was important to the local students as they were able to see their hard work used in a “real life” application” said Sheriff Strada. The Polaris UTV will be used by the Sussex County Sheriff’s office in the event of a rescue in areas of the county that are more difficult to access. Sheriff Strada was able to have the project completed just in time for the class to see the finished product. “I want to thank the students and Mr. Styles for working together with myself and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to create such a great logo” said Sheriff Strada. Pictured From left to right: Aidan Gagg, Courtney Breur, Gabrielle Singer, Kurt Hughes, Mr. Styles

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