Officers and nurses act quickly to help inmate in cardiac distress. < Back Corrections personnel honored for saving inmate’s life Officers and nurses act quickly to help inmate in cardiac distress. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently recognized and awarded several members of the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections with honors for their respective roles in saving the life of an inmate during a medical emergency. On the evening of May 8, 2015, corrections officers Brandon Fazio and Jeffrey Hilbert observed a prisoner who had collapsed and was unresponsive. They immediately contacted medical staff and ordered all inmates back to their cells. Sergeants Paul Reiher and Eric Groeger responded to their location along with nurses Jean Thompson and Cathy Toth. After determining the patient was in cardiac distress, Thompson and Toth began CPR. Corrections Officer Fazio and Sergeant Reiher began to prepare an Automated External Defibrillation device (AED) for use and, in conjunction with the medical staff performing CPR, delivered several rounds of defibrillation to the patient. The patient was ultimately airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital where he was placed on life support. For their actions in preserving the inmate’s life, Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, licensed practical nurse Jean Thompson and registered nurse Cathy Toth were presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award while Sergeant Eric Groeger, Corrections Officer Jeffrey Hilbert and Corrections Officer Michael Scuzzese were presented with the Honorable Service Award. Sheriff Strada thanks each of the above named personnel for their diligence, initiative and rapid action while in the line of duty. Their successful efforts to save a person’s life reflect great credit upon themselves and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections as a whole. From left to right: Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, Sheriff Michael F. Strada, LPN Jean Thompson and RN Cathy Toth.

< Back SCSO K9 TEAM GRADUATES NJSP ACADEMY Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the graduation of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 Team from the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy 38th Narcotics Scent Class. Sheriff’s Detective Michael Scott and K-9 “Ace” recently successfully completed an intensive 14-week training course in narcotics detection. Detective Scott is a 7 year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Ace is a 1 year old German Shepherd Dog. During their training, over approximately 450 hours, the K-9 team executed over 300 narcotics searches in various conditions and at numerous locations. Detective Scott and K-9 Ace are scheduled to begin the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy Patrol Class for tracking in September. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit currently consists of three K-9 teams. Two narcotics detection teams and one tracking/trailing team. Sheriff Strada congratulates Detective Scott and Ace and wishes them great success in their careers. Said Sheriff Strada, “We are pleased to present the services of this great team and our other K-9 teams to the law enforcement agencies and citizens of Sussex County. I know they will prove to be a tremendous asset.”

Arrested: David M. Ireland, age 32, of Augusta, NJ. < Back Driver using cell phone leads to DWI arrest Arrested: David M. Ireland, age 32, of Augusta, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, September 5, 2013, while assigned to patrol duties within the borough of Branchville, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords observed David Ireland talking on a cell phone while driving through Branchville. Officer Swords initiated a motor vehicle stop and interviewed Mr. Ireland. Upon further investigation, Officer Swords determined Ireland was intoxicated. Officer Swords arrested Ireland and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Ireland was charged with the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle while using a portable electronic device and possession of an open container/alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. He was given a future court date to appear in Branchville Borough Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible party. Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling and Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

Sussex County Sheriff’s Office receives a demonstration on the use of LifeVac in the use of choking emergencies from a local Sussex County family < Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Office receives a demonstration on the use of LifeVac Sussex County Sheriff’s Office receives a demonstration on the use of LifeVac in the use of choking emergencies from a local Sussex County family Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office had the privilege of meeting with the parents of 4-month-old Maverick Scott Chambers who tragically passed away from a choking accident. Kim and Darrin Chambers have formed a non profit called “Maverick’s Legacy” in memory of their son. The Chambers Family has made it their mission to speak with the public, including first responders, on the benefits of the use of LifeVac, a device used to effectively clear the airway of a choking victim. Thank you to the Chamber’s Family for donating several devices to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, please contact www.maverickslegacy.org or email info@maverickslegacy.org

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.

This scam involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. < Back Sheriff’s Office warns of jury duty telephone scam This scam involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced that a long running telephone scam seeking payment for false warrants and overdue payment to the IRS has taken a new twist. This new twist involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. The scam involves a caller stating that he or she is with the sheriff’s office, will give an officer’s name, and has a warrant for that person’s arrest. The imposter then goes on to say that it can be handled either “civilly” or “criminally” but if they elect to pay a civil fine, there will be no arrest. The caller will give instructions on using a pre-paid debit card from a major bank or a Green Dot card. The caller will go so far as to give stores where these pre-paid cards can be purchased. Sheriff Strada stated that this is the latest variation to the false warrant scam and the Internal Revenue Service scam demanding overdue tax payments in the same manner. The caller will provide a call back phone number where payment can be made. The phone number is then answered falsely identifying it as the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Strada stressed that legitimate law enforcement agencies will not tell people to provide money card information to avoid arrest. It is further warned that even if the caller has some name or knowledge, the receiver of the call should not provide any personal information such as date of birth or social security information. You should not engage with the caller and instead, simply hang up.

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.

Arrested: Alexander M. Urena, age 33, of Andover Boro, NJ. < Back Arrest at Newton MVC for outstanding municipal warrants Arrested: Alexander M. Urena, age 33, of Andover Boro, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, while assigned to the Newton Motor Vehicle Commission, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty encountered Alexander Urena. Further investigation by Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty revealed two outstanding municipal court warrants previously issued for Urena. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty immediately took Urena into custody. Urena was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $1,100 bail.

Arrested: Gerard J. Pollastro, age 40, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Sheriff's officers arrest Wantage man for DWI Arrested: Gerard J. Pollastro, age 40, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 10:00 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, December 20, 2012, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling was assigned to traffic enforcement within Wantage Township. While patrolling that area, she observed a motor vehicle operated by Gerard Pollastro failing to maintain his lane of traffic. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, speaking with Pollastro, and observing him attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling found him to be intoxicated. Officer Schilling took Pollastro into custody and transported him back to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released pending a future court appearance in Wantage Township Municipal Court. He was issued summonses for reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and driving while intoxicated. Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty and Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a donation of body armor. < Back Sheriff’s K9 receives donated vest Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a donation of body armor. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Thi s specific vest was sponsored by William Haas of Bloomingburg, NY and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Petey and Lucky.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. over 3,800 U.S. made, custom fitted, NIJ certified protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $6.9 million dollars. The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate. The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 - $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination via its website or mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Woman arrested in Newton on Paterson warrants Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, September 20, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered Natasha McCoy. Officer Cahill believed McCoy to be the subject of an outstanding warrant and subsequently detained her. Further investigation revealed McCoy to be the subject of multiple warrants from Paterson Municipal Court. Officer Cahill immediately arrested McCoy and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Natasha McCoy was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Arrested: Steven I. Nunes, age 34, of Franklin, NJ. < Back Probationer arrested after attempting to defraud drug test Arrested: Steven I. Nunes, age 34, of Franklin, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor responded to the Sussex County Probation Department to investigate a report of a probationer attempting to defraud a court ordered drug test. Upon his arrival, Sheriff’s Officer Slahor encountered Steven Nunes. Further investigation revealed Nunes to be in possession of a prescription label that had been altered to include his name. Nunes was immediately placed under arrest and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed. Nunes was charged with defrauding the administration of a drug test, a third degree crime. He was given a future date to appear in Newton Municipal Court and released. Sheriff’s Officer Mike Yanko assisted in the arrest.