< Back Sheriff's new web site makes its debut The Sussex County Sheriff's Office web site was relaunched the first week in June 2011 after undergoing a complete makeover. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office web site was relaunched this week after undergoing a complete makeover. Boasting a monochromatic interface, improved navigation, site-wide search and a translation function for non-English speaking visitors, the web site is brimming with content that gives site visitors unique insight into the sheriff’s office and the services it provides. In addition to expanded information about the day-to-day operations of the office, highlights include foreclosure listings, a news room, concise information regarding rules and regulations for inmate visitation at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility, downloadable/fillable forms for enrollment in community program offerings and a Crime Stoppers page which will shine a spotlight on new or unsolved crimes in the community. The online foreclosure system reflects a renewed focus on streamlining information regarding Sussex County properties that will be put up for sale by the sheriff’s office. Personnel will see to it that this information is continuously updated. The new site also features a section where visitors can check out who’s wanted by law enforcement in Sussex County…and if the urge to help should strike, the site also provides citizens with a quick, easy and anonymous way to submit a tip regarding the whereabouts of a wanted individual. Sheriff Michael F. Strada, who took the helm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office on January 1 of this year, pledged to modernize the organization and open up the lines of communication. By all accounts, the new site embodies that commitment. “I want to get information into the hands of the public and other law enforcement agencies in our county,” Sheriff Strada said. “The web site serves as an important and cost-effective tool for disseminating information.” Lieutenant Dave Rome, the office’s information technology supervisor, worked with the web site developer to ensure that the new site is an informative, relevant and user-friendly resource. “To that end, I feel we were immensely successful,” said Lt. Rome. The site was developed by paviaweb.com , a web site development company based in Morristown, New Jersey.

< Back Sheriff honors officers at awards ceremony Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently honored several sheriff’s officers for exceptional and meritorious service in a ceremony held at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Lawrence Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Matthew Maines were presented with the Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award for their efforts in assisting to resuscitate an individual in cardiac arrest in Frankford Township on August 10, 2011. While assigned to monitor parking areas during last year’s New Jersey State Fair, Lt. Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines encountered a man laying face down and unresponsive. They requested advanced medical assistance and began an assessment of the patient’s condition. Beller and Maines checked the man’s pulse, rolled him over, and cleared his airway. When paramedics arrived, Beller and Maines briefed them on the patient’s known condition and assisted as an Automated External Defibrillator was used to “shock” the patient. The man was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical center where he successfully recovered from his injuries. But for the initiative and alert actions of Lieutenant Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines, the man may very well have not survived. Lieutenant Beller has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. He is currently assigned to supervise the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer Maines has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2009. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar was presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award for his actions in preventing an inmate from committing suicide on January 27, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Freykar has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2005. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Captain George Kately, III and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel were presented with the Sheriff’s Exceptional Duty Award. The Exceptional Duty Award is awarded to those sheriff’s personnel who, as a result of training, devotion to duty, or service to the public, bring acclaim to themselves, the office, or the police profession. Both Captain Kately and Sheriff’s Officer Vogel, each serving as deputy emergency management coordinator alternately, coordinated all Office of Emergency Management resources during Hurricane Irene in August, 2011. Captain Kately has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1988. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sheriff’s Officer Vogel has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1998. Additionally, Sheriff’s Officer Vogel was presented with the Sheriff’s Educational Achievement Award for obtaining a baccalaureate degree in human services from Thomas A. Edison State College. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sergeant John Gray was presented with the Honorable Service Award for his actions during a domestic violence assault that occurred in Sandyston Township on February 14, 2011. Sergeant Gray has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1991 and is currently assigned to supervise the Traffic and Community Policing units. Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor was presented with the Good Conduct Medal and a Department Appreciation Award from the Stevens Institute of Technology Police Department for his assistance to them during an arson investigation in April 2008. That investigation ultimately led to the apprehension and prosecution of an individual who had purposely set a series of fires in a dormitory building on campus. Sheriff’s Officer Slahor has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2001. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sergeant Clayton Arnott was presented with the Sheriff’s Achievement Award in recognition of his tireless dedication and assistance to the Sheriff’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program. Sergeant Arnott began his law enforcement career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. He is currently serving as the sheriff’s office administration sergeant and accreditation manager. Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger was presented with a letter of commendation for his actions during a fatal motor vehicle accident in Hardyston on May 13, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Lunger has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2010. He is currently assigned to the detective bureau. Sheriff Strada congratulated each of the above named recipients and thanked them for their continued service. Award recipients and attendees standing from L-R are Undersheriff Keith Armstrong, Sergeant Clayton Arnott, Captain George Kately, Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines, Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger and Sheriff Michael F. Strada. Seated from L-R are Lieutenant Lawrence Beller, Sergeant John Gray, and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel.

< Back Vernon man arrested attempting to defraud drug test Arrested: Christopher J. Fiorenza, age 25, of Vernon Township, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, January 15, 2015, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Justin McCann was advised by probation staff that probationer Christopher Fiorenza was attempting to provide a fraudulent urine sample. Officer McCann responded to their location and, following a brief investigation, discovered Fiorenza to be in possession of a device commonly used to defraud court-ordered drug screens. Officer McCann immediately arrested Fiorenza and he was subsequently transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was charged with defrauding the administration of a drug test, a third degree crime. Fiorenza was issued a summons to appear in court at a future date and released on his own recognizance. Lieutenant Larry Beller and Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger 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 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.

< 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.

< 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.

< Back Sheriff Strada announces three promotions Sheriff Strada announces promotions Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada February 1, 2024 973-579-0850 Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Kieran McMorrow has been promoted to Lieutenant. A 1992 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a United States Army veteran, and a 24-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant 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. That same year, he transferred to a position as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant McMorrow has been assigned to several different units including, The Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sheriff’s Traffic Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT), the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. Lieutenant McMorrow has received numerous awards throughout his career. Lieutenant McMorrow holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He currently serves as a supervisor for the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit as well as the Public Information Officer of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Following this promotion, Lieutenant McMorrow will be assigned to oversee the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. Corporal Joseph Cahill has been promoted to Sergeant. A 1999 Wallkill Valley Regional High School graduate and a United States Army veteran who deployed in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Cahill began his law enforcement career in 2005 when he was hired as a Federal Corrections Officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2007, 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. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), throughout his career, Sergeant Cahill has served in several units including the Detective Bureau, the Home Detention Program, and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Sergeant Cahill holds Associate’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Sussex County Community College. Following his promotion, Sergeant Cahill will be assigned to supervise Sheriff’s Officers assigned to the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transport Unit. Sergeant Bennett Milnor has been promoted to Lieutenant in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. A lifelong Sussex County resident and a 2001 graduate of Lenape Valley Regional High School, Lieutenant Milnor was hired as a Corrections Officer in May of 2003. In January of 2010, he was assigned as the Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP) coordinator where he oversaw the inmate labor program. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December of 2011 and has been a shift supervisor since. In addition to his daily duties, he was responsible for overseeing inmate disciplinary hearings from 2017 through 2019 as well as maintaining the Emergency Operations Plan for the Bureau of Corrections. In July of 2023, he was reassigned to oversee the daily operations of the Bureau of Corrections which include inmate transports from police agencies statewide to the Morris County Jail as well as inmate hospital transports. Sheriff Strada stated “I am proud of these Officers and I congratulate them on their achievements. I have the utmost confidence in their leadership abilities and look forward to working with them.” Left to Right Lieutenant Bennett Milnor, Lieutenant Kieran McMorrow, Sheriff Michael Strada and Sergeant Joseph Cahill

< Back K-9 team graduates training academy K-9 team graduates from the Bergen County Police Academy K-9 Patrol class. Previous Next On January 28, 2011, the team of K-9 Atlas and Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow completed an extensive four month training program comprised of instruction in canine obedience, human tracking, handler protection, and criminal apprehension. Additionally, K-9 Atlas is cross trained as a narcotics detection canine. Sheriff Michael F. Strada recognizes the value of trained K-9 teams as a tool for effective law enforcement and is pleased to offer the services of K-9 Atlas and Sheriff’s Officer McMorrow to the municipal law enforcement agencies of Sussex County. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently has three K-9 teams, offering specialized services in narcotics detection, explosives detection, and search and rescue.

< Back Sheriff's office to participate in countywide drug disposal Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on April 28, 2012. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada has announced that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Sussex County Prescription Drug Disposal Day in conjunction with the Center for Prevention & Counseling , the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police and police departments from Andover Township, Byram, Franklin, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Newton, Sparta and Vernon. Unwanted, unused or expired medications will be collected by sheriff’s officers posted at the Sussex Borough A&P on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The A&P is located at 455 Route 23 North in Sussex Borough. There will be additional collection points at the following locations during these same hours: Andover Township Police Department Byram Shop-Rite (Rt. 206) Franklin Borough Police Department Hardyston Municipal Building Medicine Shoppe (50 Hopatchung Rd., Hopatcong) Montague Shop-Rite (Rt. 23/Tristate Mall) Newton Shop Rite (Rt. 206) Sparta Police Department Vernon A&P (Rt. 515) The goal of this program is to provide residents with the opportunity to rid their homes of medications that are no longer needed by turning these medications over to law enforcement officials who will then dispose of the substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner. For more information, please contact the Center for Prevention & Counseling at 973.383.4787.

< Back Sheriff Strada seeks guidance from attorney general on Gov. Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sheriff Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme. Previous Next In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme and to his administration’s attempt to deprive the voters of Sussex County with an opportunity to have a voice in the matter. Sheriff Strada wrote: In response to a growing outcry of concern from their constituents, on April 10, 2019, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders—the legislative body that represents the people of Sussex County, New Jersey—passed a resolution to place a non-binding public question on the ballot in the county that asks voters to instruct their sheriff on the sanctuary state directive issued by Governor Murphy’s attorney general. The ballot question gives voters a choice to instruct their county sheriff to (1) obey the state directive or (2) follow the laws passed by the Congress of the United States of America, signed by successive presidents of both parties, and upheld by the United States Supreme Court. On May 17, 2019, the Murphy administration—through Attorney General Gurbir Grewal—sent notice to Sussex County Clerk Jeff Parrott that the public question “must not be included” on the ballot in November. It is my understanding that this violates the New Jersey Constitution, which specifically placed elected CONSTITUTIONAL officers (such as the sheriff and county clerk) outside the control of the executive. But more importantly, it is hypocritical to block American citizens from indicating their preference to have their elected officials follow the laws of the United States of America, in favor of compelling them to follow the directives of an appointed state official who is in violation of those laws. Sheriff Strada was clear in his determination to fight the Murphy administration on the sanctuary state issue: On behalf of myself and several members of the freeholder board, I am requesting your guidance in this matter. As the chief law enforcement officer of the United States of America, I believe that law enforcement in New Jersey should be following the federal government in matters of a federal nature. Protecting the borders of the United States, as well as immigration and citizenship (and the criminal laws governing same), are federal matters and not the purview of the states. After all, we are Americans first and foremost, and not the citizens of 50 individual nation-states. For my part, I will continue to fight the Murphy administration on its sanctuary state scheme. I believe it will lead to an expansion of modern slavery—human trafficking and the exploitation of women and children—and of the criminal importation of illegal firearms, narcotics, and opioids. The sanctuary state idea will lead to legal anarchy as well as aiding organized crime and terrorism. It is nothing more than a dangerous and illogical fashion statement. Sheriff Strada was joined by Assemblyman Parker Space (R-24), who lambasted Governor Murphy for his “bullying tactics.” Assemblyman Space said: “On the one hand, Murphy is extending the rights of illegals every week and going further by backing up those so-called rights with taxpayer money and new spending. On the other hand, he is taking away the right to vote from American citizens who live in Sussex County. It is ridiculous and I oppose it.” Freeholder Dawn Fantasia had this to say: “The immigration crisis has led to unprecedented abuse of women and children. The sheriff is right and the people should have the opportunity to vote to ignore a reckless state directive.” Earlier, Freeholder Josh Hertzberg, who began his career as a federal border officer, said the voter initiative was giving the voters the chance of “asking our politicians to follow the law.” Sheriff Mike Strada is in his third term as sheriff of Sussex County. He is a career law enforcement officer who served as a U.S. Army platoon leader in Iraq (Desert Storm). He is married with three children.

< Back Additional award announced by Sheriff Strada for safe return of missing Seeing Eye dog This brings the total reward to $6,000. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada and the commissioners of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers organization would like to announce the contribution of an additional $1,000 for information leading to the safe return of The Seeing Eye of Morristown’s missing 14-month old puppy-in-training, Ondrea. The Seeing Eye of Morristown previously announced a $5,000 reward for the safe return of Ondrea. Sheriff Strada states, “While this may not currently be considered a “crime,” we feel that if someone has taken her, this additional reward may aid in her safe return.” The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office has a great relationship with The Seeing Eye of Morristown as two of the office’s working K9s were donated to our office. This brings the total reward to $6,000. Sheriff Strada is urging residents to be vigilant in the search for the missing dog but encourages anyone with information to contact The Seeing Eye at 973.525.1084. Tips may be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973.300.CRIME or online anonymous tip form .