< Back Cub Scouts tour 911 Communications Center Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently hosted a tour of the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center for Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop. Den leader Brandt Anderson said “Our kids are working on an advancement that requires our troop to examine the resources within their community that are designed to help the community function in a time of need.” Sheriff Strada, along with 911 Communications Director Mark Rozek, took the boys through the Sussex County Communications Center and discussed what happens when you place a 911 call. The kids received a great lesson in emergency services and how it helps the community. Mr. Anderson noted, “We are also incorporating the idea of local heroes. The kids have decided, on their own, that Sheriff Strada and his deputies are the heroes that they feel best serve our township.”

< 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.

< Back Sergeant named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Previous Next Recently, Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. JSMART is a cooperative effort between the 21 sheriff’s offices of New Jersey, the United States Marshals Service, the New Jersey State Police, and the Court & Judicial Security Unit of the state judiciary which is responsible for the provision of a statewide task force to protect the judiciary and the maintenance of a statewide protective intelligence database. Sgt. Galante has been with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2003, serving in both the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Since JSMART’s inception in 2015, Sgt. Galante has been a core committee member, ultimately being named JSMART statewide communications coordinator in 2017, a role in which she still currently serves. Sheriff Strada congratulates Sgt. Galante on her well deserved recognition and wishes her continued success in her career. Sgt. Krista Galante pictured with Robin Morante, State of NJ Superior Court Chief of Court & Judicial Security.

< 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.

< Back Bureau of Law Enforcement Welcomes New Officer ​ Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Hires New Officer Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. At a ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Office earlier this morning, Sheriff Strada administered the Oath of Office to Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd. A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2014 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Floyd attended Sussex County Community College where he earned an Associate’s of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Last month, Officer Floyd graduated from the Morris County Police Academy’s 100th Basic Police Course. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Floyd will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Immediately following swearing in Officer Floyd, Sheriff Strada congratulated him, welcomed him to the agency, and wished him success in his career.

< Back Narcotics distributor arrested in Frankford Township Arrested: Kenneth Wilkins, age 23, of Branchville, Steven Pierce, age 36, formerly of Stillwater Township and Joseph Selobyt, age 45, of Frankford Township, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, members of the Sussex County Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Task Force, accompanied by New Jersey State Police troopers and an officer from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, arrested Kenneth Wilkins and Joseph Selobyt during a motor vehicle stop in Frankford Township. Selobyt, who was already the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, was also found to be in possession of 60 bags of cocaine weighing approximately 18 grams and 5 grams of raw (uncut) heroin at the time of his arrest. Both Selobyt and Wilkins were transported to the New Jersey State Police barracks in Augusta for processing before being lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Kenneth Wilkins was charged with aiding in the distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. He remains incarcerated at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail with no 10% option. Joseph Selobyt was charged with six separate counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. He remains incarcerated at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail with no 10% option. On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, members of the Sussex County Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Task Force along with Sussex County Sheriff’s officers conducted additional investigations at Selobyt’s residence. During the course of that investigation, officers discovered additional quantities of cocaine along with packaging materials and other assorted drug paraphernalia. While at that location, officers also discovered Steven Pierce. Further investigation revealed Pierce to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine and a hypodermic syringe. Pierce was subsequently arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce, a fourth degree crime and possession of a hypodermic needle for an unlawful purpose, a disorderly persons offense. Pierce was issued summonses for the above offenses, given a future court date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court, and released on his own recognizance. Upon the discovery of the additional cocaine and packaging materials in his residence, Joseph Selobyt was also charged with maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility. He remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000 bail with no 10% option.

< 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.

< Back K9 Nutmeg Retirement Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the retirement of K9 Nutmeg Previous Next K9 Nutmeg, a bloodhound, came to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 and quickly became a certified team with Sussex County Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young. Nutmeg is certified in tracking people and is trained to trail a specific scent once the scent is presented to her. The K9 team of Nutmeg and Detective Young were both certified in the State of New Jersey and nationally through the National Police Bloodhound Association. During Nutmeg’s career at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, she responded to over 250 calls for service, both within Sussex County and out of County, even responding to calls in Pennsylvania when needed. She has tracked down criminals, missing persons, Alzheimer’s patients and has had a “lifesaving find”. She has trailed in every form of weather from frigid temperatures to hurricanes to blazing heat. K9 Nutmeg has achieved multiple evidence finds including guns, cell phones and stolen property. K9 Nutmeg enjoyed participating in numerous K9 demonstrations throughout the county for everyone from senior citizens to school age children. Detective Catherine Young stated, "Even after five plus years of working with K9 Nutmeg, she never ceases to impress me. From tracking 2.5 miles straight up a mountain to find her person, to starting a trail off of nothing but a footprint in the mud, she has amazed me time and time again. Proud doesn't even begin to put into words how I feel towards Nutty and the work she's done. It’s been an honor to be on the opposite end of the leash from her." K9 Nutmeg will be retired and will spend the rest of her life with Detective Young. Sheriff Strada would like to thank K9 Nutmeg for her years of service to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as she will be greatly missed by the staff and the citizens of Sussex County. Picture provided: Left to right: Detective Catherine Young, K9 Nutmeg, Sheriff Michael Strada

< Back Sheriff Strada graduates FBI program He graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada has graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI’s ten week program is a professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. In attendance at the 260th session were leaders from 47 states, military organizations and federal civilian organizations with 22 of the students from 20 foreign countries. Its mission is “to support, promote and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.” Less than 1 percent of law enforcement executives in the country ever receive the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy. As a leader with a proven record as a professional within the law enforcement community, Sheriff Strada considers it an honor and a privilege to have been chosen to attend.

< Back DWI arrest in Wantage Arrested: Kurt A. Takach, age 45, of Montague, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, September 11, 2013, while assigned to countywide community policing duties, Sheriff’s Officer Johnny Swords observed a 2001 red colored Chevrolet pickup truck, operated by Kurt Takach, failing to maintain his lane and driving in excess of the posted speed limit. Officer Swords pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver. Upon speaking with Mr. Takach and observing him attempt to perform several basic sobriety tests, Officer Swords determined him to be intoxicated. Takach was subsequently arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Takach was charged with the following offenses: reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, failure to exhibit documents, DWI and speeding. He was given a future court date to appear in Wantage Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling and Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

< Back Hopatcong woman arrested for faking urine test Arrested: Cheryl E. Semiz, age 19, of Hopatcong, NJ. Previous Next On Monday, May 21, 2012, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines was advised by probation officers that a female probationer had attempted to fake a urine test after reporting for probation. Sheriff’s Officer Maines located Ms. Cheryl Semiz in the Sussex County Probation Department and, after a brief investigation, arrested her and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Semiz was charged with defrauding the administration of a court ordered drug test. She was issued a summons to appear at a future date in Newton Municipal Court and released.

< Back Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Run to be held September 6 Join the race against crime on September 6, 2014 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Saturday, September 6, 2014 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 6, 2014. Pre-register by Friday, August 29 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 10K Run. After August 29 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. T-shirts and goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 10K runners/walkers while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top three male and female winners overall, the top three teams and by 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 . Have questions or need more information about the event? Contact Andy Ball at 973.222.8748. 2014 Supporters and Partners Presented by Alternative Press of Sussex County Bagel Station Bimbo Bakery Cailey Jewelers CenturyLink CERT Comet Security D&H Alternative Risk Solutions Double S Diner Eastern Propane Embrace Massage Therapy First Hope Bank Fredon EMS Hampton Diner Hayek’s Market Hoover Truck Centers Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home J&G Pet Food and Supplies Lakeland Bank Lakeside Construction Main Street Laundromat McGivney & Kluger The Morville Agency New Image Landscape Services New Jersey Herald New Jersey State Police Newton Medical Center/Atlantic Health The Printing Center PSEG R&T Nautilus Subaru World of Newton Sussex Bank Sussex County Clerk’s Office Sussex County Fairgrounds Toyota World of Newton Sponsorship opportunities are still available! If you would like to make a financial contribution or partner with us in this fundraiser, please contact Lt. Larry Beller at 973.579.0865, ext. 2501 for all the details.