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

Sergeant Erich Olsen was honored for his heroic actions. < Back Sheriff’s officer receives the Meritorious Service Award Sergeant Erich Olsen was honored for his heroic actions. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada was proud to present Sergeant Erich Olsen with the Meritorious Service Award for his heroic actions in coming to the aid of an individual who became trapped in his own burning vehicle beneath the trailer of a truck on Interstate Route 80. Working with bystanders, Sergeant Olsen worked to extinguish the flames and pull the vehicle from beneath the trailer enough to be able to extricate the driver. Sergeant Olsen procured additional fire extinguishers from passing motorists and used them to prevent the flames from engulfing the driver seat area. The driver was transported to a medical facility with serious life-threatening injuries. His actions, under adverse conditions with a high degree of hazard to his own personal safety, prevented the victim from suffering certain death at the scene and provided the best opportunity in surviving the serious injuries inflicted as a result of the accident. Sheriff Strada states, “Sergeant Olsen’s actions were heroic and contributed to saving the man’s life. He brings great credit to this agency and the law enforcement profession as a whole.” Sergeant Erich Olsen (left) and Sheriff Strada.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the implementation of the Blue Envelope Program with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office < Back Blue Envelope Program with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the implementation of the Blue Envelope Program with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Previous Next Sheriff Michael F Strada announced that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be implementing the “Blue Envelope Program”. This program is designed to assist officers with recognizing and assisting people who are on the Autism Spectrum or may have other sensory issues while making traffic stops. The blue envelope is resealable and a convenient place to keep all driver documents. It contains instructions for both the driver and the interacting officer in the event of a traffic stop. Sheriff Strada understands that a simple motor vehicle stop can be traumatizing for those individuals who are on the spectrum or have sensory issues. This Blue Envelope Program will make the interaction easier for both the individual and the officer. Residents of Sussex County can pick up these envelopes by contacting the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860 or call Sergeant John Freykar at 973-579-0850.

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: Michael Bollen, age 23, of Sussex, NJ. < Back Man arrested in probation department Arrested: Michael Bollen, age 23, of Sussex, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Rob Jacoby was advised by probation staff of an outstanding warrant for Michael Bollen for violation of probation. After confirming the existence of the warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Jacoby placed Bollen under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Bollen was processed and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains without bail.

Scott Haggerty, from the Bureau of Law Enforcement, was recently promoted to sergeant. < Back Sheriff’s Detective Corporal Promoted Scott Haggerty, from the Bureau of Law Enforcement, was recently promoted to sergeant. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Sheriff’s Detective Corporal Scott Haggerty to sergeant in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 1987 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Sergeant Haggerty began his law enforcement career in May 2003 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Bureau of Corrections. In June of 2004, he was hired as a sheriff’s officer and assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. He remained in this assignment until September of 2006 when he was assigned to the sheriff’s Community Policing Unit. Since August of 2018, Sergeant Haggerty has been assigned to the sheriff’s Detective Bureau where his current duties include background investigations, criminal and civil warrant service and entries, as well as fugitive apprehension. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Sergeant Haggerty is also certified as a hazardous materials technician, a child safety seat technician, and a defensive driving instructor. Throughout his career, he has been a member of the sheriff’s Traffic Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Material Team (HAZMAT), and the County Car Accident Reconstruction Team (CART), as well as the Sussex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Incident Management Team. A life member of the Wantage Township Fire Department, Sergeant Haggerty is also a former fire chief of the department. Earlier this month, Sheriff Strada administered the oath of service to Sergeant Haggerty, congratulated him on his promotion, and wished him continued success in his career. Said the sheriff, “Throughout his career, Sergeant Haggerty has repeatedly displayed the qualities of leadership that are so vital to this position. We look forward to seeing him bring these qualities to his new role as a supervisor.” Sergeant Haggerty is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy Basic Corrections Officer Class and the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute (Police Academy) Basic Police Class. Pictured l to r: Sheriff Strada, Sgt. William Ficacci, and Sgt. Scott Haggerty. Pictured l to r: Sheriff Strada, Sgt. Scott Haggerty, Sgt. William Ficacci, Sgt. John Gray, Sgt. Michael Tidaback.

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.

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.

A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. < Back Medical co-pay policy implemented for inmates A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada has announced the recent implementation of an inmate medical co-pay policy at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Effective immediately, all inmates will be charged a ten dollar co-pay to see the physician or dentist. By establishing this co-pay, the sheriff’s office hopes to recoup some funds for medical costs and, more importantly, cut back on sick call abuse. Inmates with no funds available will not be denied visitation to the physician or dentist as state law requires that inmates be provided with healthcare. The sheriff’s office can, however, require an inmate to make this co-payment. It is expected that this new policy will be a money-saver.

Arrested: David Brunt, age 24, of Byram and Chaine D. Brantley, age 33, of Franklin, NJ. < Back Multiple arrests made in probation department Arrested: David Brunt, age 24, of Byram and Chaine D. Brantley, age 33, of Franklin, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar was advised by probation staff that an arrest warrant had been issued for David Brunt. Sheriff’s Officer Freykar located Brunt, placed him under arrest and transported him to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without incident. Also in the probation department, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered Chaine Brantley. Further investigation revealed the existence of two outstanding municipal court warrants issued for Brantley. Sheriff’s Officer Cahill immediately placed her under arrest and processed her before turning her over to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections for transport to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. David Brunt remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. Chaine Brantley was provided with future dates to appear in Trenton and Pemberton municipal courts and released on her own recognizance.

Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed < Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces that Crimestoppers and the Hopatcong Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of a boat involved in a hit and run accident, which resulted in injuries, along with the suspect boat. On July 11th at approximately 9:40 p.m., while on Lake Hopatcong, the operator of the suspect boat struck the rear of a pontoon boat causing extensive damage, and then fled the scene. The crash happened near the River Styx Cove / Elba Point section of the lake. The suspect boat was last seen heading toward the direction of Halsey Island. The suspect boat was described as a white 20—foot speedboat with damage to the bow. type of boat that was involved in the accident Information or tips can be directed to Crimestoppers by calling 973-300-CRIME or our website here , the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau at 973-663-3400 or the Hopatcong PD at 973-398-5000. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers organization will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. At no time will anyone ask the tipsters name.

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