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.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. < Back Sheriff's Office announces new promotion Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Detective Corporal Louis Cataldo has been promoted to Sergeant. A United States Army and New Jersey Army National Guard veteran, as well as an 18-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office; Sergeant Cataldo began his law enforcement career in 2006 when he was hired as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Law Enforcement. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), throughout his career, Sergeant Cataldo has been assigned to several different units including, The Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sheriff’s Detective Bureau, the New Jersey Judiciary Security Management Response Team (JSMART), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). He has deployed with the military multiple times. Twice to Iraq as part of Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom, once to Louisiana in support of logistic rescue operations immediately following Hurricane Katrina, and to Washington D.C. in support of Operation Resurrection. A 2006 graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute’s Basic Police Class, Sergeant Cataldo has also attended both Ocean County Community College and the County College of Morris. Among the numerous awards Sergeant Cataldo has received throughout his career are the Hurricane Irene Ribbon, the Armed Forces Ribbon, the Grand Cordon Ribbon, and two letters of commendations for his response to medical emergencies. Following his promotion, he will be assigned to supervise the Prisoner Transportation Unit. Sheriff Strada stated “I congratulate him on his promotion. I have the utmost confidence in his leadership abilities and look forward to working with him in his new role.” pictured left to right Sergeant Cataldo, Louis (Louie) Cataldo (Sgt. Cataldo’s son) and Sheriff Michael 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.

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.

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.

Students from the Marian McKeown Elementary School attended the program. < Back Fifth graders graduate from L.E.A.D. Students from the Marian McKeown Elementary School attended the program. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is proud to announce that the 5th grade students from the Marian McKeown Elementary School have graduated from the Sussex County Sheriff’s L.E.A.D. program. Under the direction of Sussex County Sheriff’s Officer Lewis LaBar and 5th grade teachers Mr. Wilpert and Miss Crane, fifty 5th grade students regularly attended weekly classes to graduate. Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) is a community-based program which was founded in 2014 in New Jersey. In Sussex County, the sheriff’s office offers the L.E.A.D. program to area youth through the local schools. The aim of L.E.A.D. is to educate the county’s youth about substance abuse. Its curriculum covers alcohol and drug resistance, violence prevention and anti-bullying. It goes beyond traditional programs, however, as the critical thinking, decision making and interpersonal skills it instills can be used in everyday life. Lessons cover issues such as consequences, pressures, ways to say no, effects of the media, stress, alternatives, conflict resolution and improving self-esteem. These lessons, designed around a problem-solving model, offer a variety of interactive, role-playing and cooperative learning activities, all of which serve to empower kids to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in violent activities. Sheriff Strada is proud to offer this program in ten schools throughout the county and states “I couldn’t be more proud of the kids that graduated today. Their willingness to learn about making good decisions can affect the rest of their lives and it’s important to their futures.”

Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces program milestone. < Back Sussex County TRIAD distributes 1,000th wristband Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces program milestone. Previous Next Sheriff Strada is pleased to announce that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office/TRIAD organization recently distributed its 1,000th wristband. Ms. Eunice Howley of Andover Township was the recipient of the organization’s 1,000th wristband which marks a program milestone since its inception in April of 2014. Sussex County TRIAD provides black and gold silicone wristbands, free of charge to senior citizens of Sussex County, which are engraved with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office name and telephone number along with a registration number. The registration number corresponds to emergency contact information which can be provided to a first responder within Sussex County identifying the citizen in need who may be unable to communicate with the responder. Several businesses and individual donors are sponsoring 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 Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home Smith-McCracken Funeral Home Arthur J. Gallagher & Company - George Morville The Mitchell Agency The Hampton Diner Deacon Homes 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.

Arrested: Edward D. Reilly, age 41, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Outstanding warrant leads to drug arrest in Sussex Borough Arrested: Edward D. Reilly, age 41, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, February 16, 2012, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties in Wantage Township, sheriff’s detectives Mike Yanko and Matt Caine encountered Edward Reilly. Knowing him to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court arrest warrant, detectives Yanko and Caine approached Reilly and placed him under arrest. Further investigation revealed Reilly to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine. Reilly was transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce. Edward Reilly is currently lodged in the Keogh Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10% option.

The deputy emergency management coordinator attended FEMA’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. < Back Corporal Mark Vogel graduates FEMA Executive Academy The deputy emergency management coordinator attended FEMA’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. Previous Next Corporal Mark Vogel, CEM , the deputy emergency management coordinator for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, recently graduated from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. Corporal Vogel, who has served as deputy emergency management coordinator for the past fifteen years, completed the full curriculum that supports the advancement of the emergency management profession at strategic policy and executive leadership levels. This program has enhanced his talents in emergency management through critical thinking, visionary strategic planning, negotiation, and conflict resolution applied to complex real-world problems. Corporal Vogel completed the four resident courses in the Executive Academy to include: E0680 Examining Emergency Management Policy and Doctrine; E0682 Leading Complex Systems; E0684 Interpreting the Contemporary Emergency Management Environment; E0686 Creating the Emergency Management Stakeholder Community; and a collaborative capstone project. The Executive Academy instills emergency management leaders with a deeper understanding of contemporary and emerging emergency management issues, debates and public policy. It provides insights, theories, tools and resources that enable decision-makers to think and act more strategically and to build capacity to protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all types of disasters. Sheriff Strada, stating that Corporal Vogel’s training will continue to enhance the operations of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Division of Emergency Management, commends Corporal Vogel for graduating from this prestigious program. Corporal Mark Vogel (right) is congratulated by FEMA’s Dr. Daniel Kaniewski as he graduates. Photo by Shane Gibbon/FEMA.

Arrested: Nelson O. Guerrero, age 21, of Selinsgrove, PA. < Back Pennsylvania man arrested at MVC Arrested: Nelson O. Guerrero, age 21, of Selinsgrove, PA. Previous Next On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling encountered Nelson Guerrero attempting to obtain a New Jersey driver’s license. After observing Guerrero providing MVC staff with false information, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling ran a criminal warrants check for him. That investigation revealed him to be the subject of an out-of-state Superior Court arrest warrant from Pennsylvania. Guerrero was taken into custody and lodged comfortably in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. He is currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. Detective Mike Yanko assisted in the arrest.