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: Alec S. Bloom, age 19, of Andover Township, NJ. < Back Andover Township man arrested at DMV Arrested: Alec S. Bloom, age 19, of Andover Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2012, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed Alec S. Bloom. Believing Bloom to be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty began to question him. While they were speaking, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords arrived to assist. Further investigation revealed the existence of three separate municipal court warrants for Bloom’s arrest originating from Hopatcong and Roxbury. Officer Swords immediately took Bloom into custody and transported him to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he was lodged in lieu of $2,750 bail.

The SOG broke the last reported record on the truck pull. < Back Special Operations Group participates in truck pull The SOG broke the last reported record on the truck pull. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections Special Operations Group (SOG) participated in a fundraising event hosted by the Military Transport Association (MTA) in order to raise funds and awareness for local family readiness groups and soldiers in the Army National Guard 143rd Transportation Unit. The event took place on April 23, 2017 as part of a larger swap meet and military vehicle show. One of the event organizers, Randy Emr, a local military supporter and fundraiser with the MTA, was brought to tears seeing the Army, Boy Scouts of America Troop 188, law enforcement, local gyms and general team assemblies come together for laughs and fun in order to support a great cause. The Special Operations Group broke the last reported record on the truck pull with a time of 13.9 seconds to pull the 20,000lb historic military truck a distance of 100 feet. The previous record was around the 16 second range, states Randy Emr. The Boy Scouts came in as a very close second with a time of 15.4 seconds with a little help from a couple of their friends in SOG who tactically inserted themselves behind the truck for a boost. Mark Farsi, warden of the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility, cordially invites any other law enforcement teams to come and try to take the trophy next year, all in the name of camaraderie and a good cause. Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada thanks our service members, veterans, their families and the event organizers for allowing the sheriff’s office to be part of a great event in support of the community. Warden Mark Farsi, surrounded by members of the SOG team and members of the military, holds up the trophy.

This seminar has been cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. < Back TRIAD law enforcement seminar to be held in October This seminar has been cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. Previous Next Cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. On Friday, October 14, 2016 , Sussex County TRIAD will be hosting a law enforcement seminar for seniors at Selective Insurance, 40 Wantage Avenue in the Borough of Branchville from 8 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a free continental breakfast included. The seminar will include classes on senior fraud education and protection, a demonstration by the Sussex County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit as well as other new, informative classes. Seniors will have the opportunity to meet with local law enforcement officers and county personnel to gather information on current crimes affecting seniors, facts to combat unwarranted fear of crime, problems faced by seniors and programs that are offered by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Admission is free but pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Hilary Manser at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

Training exercises were successfully carried out at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. < Back Sussex County Jail personnel perform evacuation drills Training exercises were successfully carried out at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Previous Next Three separate rapid evacuation exercises were conducted at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility during the month of June. Designed to simulate conditions that might occur during an actual emergency at the jail, the exercises enhanced the training of all bureau of corrections personnel and prepared them should an actual evacuation become necessary. A different training scenario—ranging from explosives threats to emergent fire and smoke conditions—was carried out during each shift. Inmates were evacuated from their respective housing units, relocated to a safe and secure holding area, secured with wrist restraints and subsequently prepared for possible transport to another housing unit or separate facility. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections maintains reciprocal agreements with a number of neighboring counties to house inmates in their facilities in the event of an emergency. During an actual emergency, Sussex County inmates may be transferred to correctional facilities in one or more of those counties. All three exercises, each of which lasted approximately 40 minutes, were successful and all inmates were safely evacuated in a timely fashion without any injuries or problems. The evacuations were a cooperative effort between the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement, the New Jersey State Police and the Newton Police Department.

Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. < Back Sheriff's K-9 search results in seizure of heroin brick Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. Previous Next On September 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow and Sheriff’s K-9 Atlas were assigned to assist the Hopatcong Police Department which was conducting a DWI traffic checkpoint. Sheriff’s Officer McMorrow utilized K-9 Atlas to search several vehicles stopped at the checkpoint. One of the vehicles searched was occupied by Kotz and DeLucchi. Further investigation of that vehicle revealed a “brick” consisting of approximately 50 bags of heroin and a hypodermic syringe hidden behind the glove compartment. Both Kotz and DeLucchi were immediately taken into custody by Hopatcong Police. Kotz and DeLucchi, both charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, are currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $15,000 bail.

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