Two staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. < Back Bureau of Law Enforcement promotes two officers Two staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Detective Corporal Kieran McMorrow has been promoted to sergeant. A 1992 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a United States Army veteran, and an 18-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant McMorrow began his law enforcement career in 2000 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. In December of 2000, he accepted a position as a sheriff’s officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Sergeant McMorrow has been assigned to several different units including the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the sheriff’s Community Policing Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT) and the sheriff’s K-9 Unit. In addition to being a recipient of the sheriff’s Good Conduct Medal, the Educational Achievement Award, a two-time recipient of the sheriff’s Achievement Award, and the Sussex County Detective’s Association Meritorious Service Award, Sergeant McMorrow has received numerous accolades from other law enforcement agencies and civic groups. A graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute 86th Basic Police Class, Sergeant McMorrow also holds a baccalaureate degree in history from Fairleigh Dickinson University where he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in administrative science. He currently serves as both a K-9 handler and the public information officer of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Following this promotion, Sergeant McMorrow will be assigned to supervise sheriff’s officers serving in the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. Detective William Ficacci has been promoted to detective sergeant. A 1999 Wallkill Valley High School graduate, a lifelong Sussex County resident, a United States Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq in 2003, Sergeant Ficacci began his law enforcement career in 2005 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2006, he accepted a position as a sheriff’s officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement and was assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. In 2013 he was promoted to detective and transferred to the sheriff’s Detective Bureau where he was assigned to fugitive recovery duties. Throughout his career, Sergeant Ficacci has also served as a team member of the sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit, supervised the sheriff’s internship program, and conducted numerous criminal investigations. A graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute 97th Basic Police Class, Sergeant Ficacci is also a recipient of multiple military awards and the sheriff’s Achievement Award. Following this promotion, Detective Sergeant Ficacci will be assigned to supervise detectives serving in the sheriff’s Detective Bureau. Sheriff Strada thanks both of the above members for their service and congratulates them on their new positions. Pictured from left to right: Sergeant Kieran McMorrow, Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Detective Sergeant William Ficacci.

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.

Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K race results Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Participants raced against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 14, 2019. View the race results Thank you to our sponsors and all who took part in this great event. See you next year!

Forty-nine students completed the 10-week program taught by sheriff’s officers. < Back Fredon Township School D.A.R.E. Graduation Forty-nine students completed the 10-week program taught by sheriff’s officers. Previous Next Fredon Township School recently held a graduation for the 49 students who completed the 10-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program taught by Sussex County Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski and Sheriff’s Corporal Dan Storey. The D.A.R.E. curriculum is designed to teach schoolchildren in kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive, drug- and violence-free lives. It is taught by law enforcement officers whose training and experience give them the background needed to answer the sophisticated questions often posed by young students about drugs and crime. Prior to joining the D.A.R.E. program, officers must undergo 80 hours of specialized training in areas such as child development, classroom management, teaching techniques and communication skills. Forty hours of additional training are provided to D.A.R.E. instructors to prepare them to teach the high school curriculum. Each year, the sheriff’s office sends D.A.R.E. trained sheriff’s officers to eight participating schools within the county to teach the program. This year alone, 643 students throughout the county have graduated from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. program. According to the D.A.R.E. America web site , D.A.R.E. has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. D.A.R.E. instructor Sheriff’s Officer Edmund Galinski and his graduating class of students from the Fredon Township Elementary School.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 March 4, 2025 Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. K9 Roxi and her partner Detective Justin McCann served for 8 years with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout her years of service, K9 Roxi responded to hundreds of calls that included school searches, DWI check points, K9 demonstrations, and roadside vehicle and residential searches. K9 Roxi worked with every local law enforcement agency within Sussex County and assisted both the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force and the New Jersey State Police. Additionally, K9 Roxi assisted with calls within Morris, Warren, and Union Counties as well as the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security. When K9 Roxi wasn’t on duty, she resided with Detective McCann and his family. Sheriff Strada and the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offer our sincerest condolences to Detective McCann and his family. K9 Roxi will be missed by many.

He passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. < Back SCSO joins county in mourning the passing of Undersheriff Tomasula He passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sussex County Sheriff’s Office undersheriff and former Newton police chief John Tomasula following a courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong Sussex County resident, Undersheriff Tomasula began a literal lifetime of public service as a young man when he first joined the Newton Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Squad. Volunteering in this capacity lead him to an opportunity to work as a police dispatcher for the Newton Police Department and then to his eventual hiring as a Newton police officer in 1985. Throughout his service with the Newton Police Department, Undersheriff Tomasula worked in virtually every facet and rank of law enforcement within that agency. From foot patrol, bicycle patrol, detective bureau and community policing, he rose through the ranks ultimately accepting the position of chief of police in 2000, a role in which he served for 10 years until his retirement in 2010. Having assisted in the planning, restructuring and operation of a new police facility and 9-11 communications center during his tenure as chief of police, Undersheriff Tomasula was uniquely suited to the task when, in 2014, Sheriff Strada asked him to assist in the planning and construction of a new countywide 9-11 communications center. Once again, he answered the call to serve and accepted a position as director of communications for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. In this role, he was instrumental in the establishment and continued success of our current Sussex County 9-11 center. He remained 9-11 director until accepting the position of undersheriff of the Bureau of Corrections in 2018. Undersheriff Tomasula continued to serve in this role right up to his untimely passing. Well known and deservedly respected throughout the first responder community in Sussex County, the loss of Undersheriff Tomasula will surely be felt by many. Said the Sheriff, “John was a true leader with unwavering, strength, commitment, and integrity. He will be missed by many but not forgotten.” Sheriff Strada and the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offer our sincerest condolences to the Tomasula family and join all who had the privilege of knowing Undersheriff Tomasula in mourning his passing.

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.

The sheriff's office's participation in this enforcement effort concluded with five arrests for DWI and another seven arrests for drug offenses. < Back Sheriff's office participates in statewide DWI enforcement grant The sheriff's office's participation in this enforcement effort concluded with five arrests for DWI and another seven arrests for drug offenses. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada today announced the completion of his office’s participation in the 2011 New Jersey Statewide DWI Enforcement Grant. Funding for the statewide crackdown was secured through the Over the Limit/Under Arrest grant sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The grant provided for 88 hours of enforcement during a pre-selected period in order to reduce the number of motor vehicle operators who drive their vehicles while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Between August 19 and September 5, 2011, sheriff’s officers arrested five individuals throughout the county for driving while intoxicated. Additionally, seven individuals were arrested and charged with narcotics related offenses. During that same period, approximately forty-six traffic summonses were issued for motor vehicle related infractions.

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.

Do you have information relating to a crime or criminal activity in the Sussex County, New Jersey area? Get a cash reward of up to $1,000 for your anonymous tip. Call our hotline or submit a tip online using the form below. Call 973.300.CRIME Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment (as opposed to conviction) of criminals. When a person contacts Crime Stoppers, he/she is assigned a confidential code number which is then used for identification going forward. At no time will anyone ask the tipster’s name. The tipster will use the code number in all subsequent contacts with Crime Stoppers. When he/she becomes eligible for a reward, the arrangements to receive it are also made through the use of the code number. The reward will be paid in cash. After submitting your tip, please write down you’re your code number and call 973-300-CRIME to see if your tip leads to a reward. Crime Stoppers Online Anonymous Tip Form Suspect First Name Suspect Last Name Suspect Nickname Sex Age Birthday Race Height Weight Hair Color Eye Color Next

< Back 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 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. 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 22, 2026 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 ccentrelli@sussexcountysheriff.com . Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Centrelli at 973-579-0850 ext. 2552 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.

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.