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Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office < Back Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada July 1, 2026 973-579-0850 Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Johnny Swords has been promoted to Lieutenant. A United States Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lieutenant Swords began his law enforcement career in 2007 when he was hired as a Sheriff's Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Swords has served in both the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit and the Sheriff's Special Services Unit. A Certified Fatal Accident Reconstructionist, as well as a Project Lifesaver Technician and Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) Instructor, Lieutenant Swords has been assigned as a Supervisor in Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit since 2022. Lieutenant Swords is a recipient of the Sheriff's Honorable Service Award, The Educational Achievement Award. The Armed Forces Ribbon, The Good Conduct Award, The Grand Cordon Award, the Sheriff's Achievement Award, and the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. Lieutenant Swords also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas A. Edison University. Following this promotion, Lieutenant Swords will be assigned to oversee the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Detective Michael Scott has been promoted to Sergeant. A 2004 Graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, Sergeant Scott began his law enforcement career in 2016 when he was hired as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Sergeant Scott has served in the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit, The Sussex County Narcotics Task Force, the Sheriff’s Special Services Unit, and the K-9 Unit. A certified Field Training Officer, Sergeant Scott is a recipient of the Sheriff’s Exceptional Duty Award, the Good Conduct Award, the Grand Cordon, and the Sheriff’s K-9 Bar. Following this promotion Sergeant Scott will be assigned as a Supervisor in the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Sheriff Michael F. Strada stated "I want to extend my personal congratulations to both Lieutenant Johnny Swords and Sergeant Michael Scott on their well-deserved promotions. Both of these men have consistently demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, leadership, and dedication to this office throughout their careers.” Pictured left to right: Sergeant Michael Scott, Sheriff Michael Strada, Lieutenant Johnny Swords

The week-long training program, sponsored by the Department of Justice, was held in Aurora, Colorado. < Back Sheriff Strada attends national jail administration program The week-long training program, sponsored by the Department of Justice, was held in Aurora, Colorado. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada recently completed a week long training program on jail administration at the National Institute of Corrections in Aurora, Colorado. The training focused on administrative responsibilities including managing risk, policies and procedures, determining staffing needs, managing the workforce, managing inmate behavior, the external role of the jail administrator, and assessing jail operations. One of just twenty participants from throughout the United States selected to attend this nationally recognized program, Sheriff Strada said it was an honor to be chosen. “Whenever you have an opportunity to attend training at this level, it is invaluable. I was able to learn from the best instructors in the nation. The training and networking enables you to look at your jail operations and see if there is anything that you can change to make sure you are running a safe, efficient, and effective operation.” The National Institute of Corrections is a federal agency within the Department of Justice. It was founded in 1977 and serves as a resource for state and local corrections. Training, transportation and living expenses were paid for by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Wantage and Sussex Borough enter into an agreement with the Sussex County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Communications Services. < Back Two more towns sign on for dispatching services Wantage and Sussex Borough enter into an agreement with the Sussex County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Communications Services. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada is pleased to announce that Wantage Township and Sussex Borough have entered into a five-year shared service agreement for dispatching services at the Sussex County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Communications Center. After several months of technical and logistical planning and preparation, both municipalities seamlessly transitioned to the county center. Wantage and Sussex join the eleven other municipalities currently utilizing the call taking and dispatching services of the largest 9-1-1 communications center in the county. Representatives from the state Office of Emergency Telecommunications, several telecommunications providers and municipal and county officials were present during the cutover to insure a successful implementation. The county 9-1-1 center service area encompasses 65% of the county’s geographical area. The communications center will be responsible for handling all 9-1-1 calls for their municipalities. Sheriff Strada stated, “I am glad to see other municipalities join our communications center as we offer the latest technology and dispatching services. The emergency service organizations that are currently utilizing our center realize the benefits of a central communications center.” Pictured left to right: Chief Telecommunicator Dave Korver, Director of Communications Mark Rozek, Borough of Sussex OEM Coordinator Floyd Southard, Township of Wantage Mayor Ron Bassani, Township of Wantage Administrator Michael Restel, Township of Wantage OEM/911 Coordinator Joe Konopinski, New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services Doug Weidanz and Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada

Arrested: David J. Reshke, age 35, of Netcong, NJ and Courtney E. Kieffer, age 23, of Newton, NJ. < Back Couple arrested at MVC for outstanding warrants Arrested: David J. Reshke, age 35, of Netcong, NJ and Courtney E. Kieffer, age 23, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, September 30, 2011, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty encountered Courtney Kieffer. Knowing her to be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant from Andover Township Municipal Court, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty immediately took her into custody. Further investigation revealed that Kieffer’s boyfriend, David Reshke, who had accompanied her to the Motor Vehicle Commission, was also the subject of an arrest warrant from Atlantic County. Both Kieffer and Reshke were immediately taken into custody Kieffer was released on bail and given a future court date. Reshke was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility.

Corporal Daniel Storey received the recognition from the Knights of Columbus. < Back Local organization names sheriff’s corporal “Officer of the Year” Corporal Daniel Storey received the recognition from the Knights of Columbus. Previous Next Sheriff’s Corporal Daniel Storey has been named 2013 Officer of the Year by the Knights of Columbus, Marquette Council #588 , and was presented with the council’s “shield” award at a May 10, 2013 awards ceremony. Corporal Storey began his law enforcement career as a Class II special police officer in Vernon Township in 1986. He remained in Vernon until 1990, whereupon he accepted a position as a sheriff’s correction’s officer. In 1991, Corporal Storey joined the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement as a sheriff’s investigator, a position in which he continues to serve. A 23-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Corporal Storey has been involved in the child safety seat program, Project Lifesaver and the school walk-through program. He has been a certified D.A.R.E. instructor for over 20 years and has taught over 6,000 Sussex County students throughout his career. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Corporal Storey is very active in the Sussex County community. He serves on the board of the community of his residence where he is involved in several scholarship committees. He is the current chairperson of the Vernon Township Republican Committee and the District 19 committeeman for the Sussex County Republican Committee. He is an active member of the Wanderer’s Car Club. Sheriff Strada congratulates Corporal Storey on his honor and wishes him continued success in his career. Said the Sheriff, “Although every member of the sheriff’s office performs his or her duties in a professional manner, Corporal Storey is an example of the good work that one individual officer can do. I’m happy to see him recognized for his outstanding accomplishments. He is a credit to this agency and Sussex County in general.”

Arrested: Quintia Dessau, age 29, formerly of Dorchester, MA. < Back Sheriff’s officers arrest woman at state fair Arrested: Quintia Dessau, age 29, formerly of Dorchester, MA. Previous Next On Saturday, August 3, 2013, while assigned to traffic control during the NJ State Fair, sheriff’s officers Warren Slahor, Lew Labar and Lieutenant Lawrence Beller encountered Quintia Dessau. Further investigation revealed Dessau to be the subject of several outstanding municipal warrants from Elizabeth, Fort Lee, Linden and Atlantic City municipal courts. Dessau was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. She was ultimately turned over to the custody of the Elizabeth Police Department for transport to the Essex County Jail where she was subsequently lodged in lieu of $14,075 bail.

< Back Tip Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Dog Abandonment Case Previous Next FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada March 20, 2026 973-579-0850 Tip Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Dog Abandonment Case Sheriff Michael Strada and the Sussex County Sheriffs Crimestoppers announce that a critical tip they received has resulted in multiple arrests. Joshua Ciemniecki, 19; Robert Ciemniecki, 74; and Kaila McNeill, 30, all of Phillipsburg, NJ were arrested by the New Jersey State Police following an investigation involving approximately 40 dogs that were dumped and abandoned throughout Sussex County. Thanks to the swift response of Law Enforcement, animal rescue personnel and volunteers many of the dogs were safely recovered however unfortunately some were found deceased. This case marks a perfect example of how even a small tip can result in an arrest or arrests of individuals responsible for such heinous acts. Community involvement played such a crucial role in both protecting these vulnerable animals and bringing these offenders to justice. The Sussex County Sheriffs Crimestoppers extends its sincere gratitude to the anonymous tipster whose information proved to be critical in solving this case. “If not for the information provided through this Crimestoppers tip this case may have gone unsolved, we are incredibly thankful for all of the tips we received in reference to this case” The Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the dedicated efforts of New jersey State Police Troop B, Detectives and Officers with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, volunteers and Animal Control Officers from Newton and Wantage who provided essential support and care for the recovered animals. This incident serves as a reminder that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Sussex County and those responsible will be held accountable.

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.