< Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Hires Five New Officers Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the hiring of five new Sheriff’s Officers in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. At a ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center earlier this week, Sheriff Strada administered the Oath of Office to the following new Sheriff’s Officers. Brian Gallagher A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2011 graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Gallagher attended both Sussex County Community College and Stockton University where he majored in Criminal Justice. An eight year veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard where he continues to serve as a Combat Engineer, Officer Gallagher is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class and holds a Baccalaureate degree from Stockton University in Criminal Justice. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Gallagher will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Jesse Bambrick A 2008 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Bambrick holds an Associates of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Sussex County Community College where he graduated from in 2011. A nine year veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard where he continues to serve as a team leader of an Infantry Squad, Officer Bambrick is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. While attending the Police Academy, Officer Bambrick placed 2nd in Marksmanship amongst his fellow recruits. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Bambrick will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Khanai Powell A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2014 graduate of the Sussex County Technical School, Sheriff’s Officer Powell attended Montclair University where he studied with a major concentration in Psychology and a minor concentration in Criminal Justice, ultimately earning a Baccalaureate Degree. A New Jersey Army National Guard veteran, Office Powell is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. While attending the Police Academy, Officer Powell received the Physical Training Award for demonstrating athletic excellence amongst his peers. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Powell will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Mark Bollmann A 2012 graduate of the Sussex County Technical School, Sheriff’s Officer Bollmann also studied at Sussex County Community College. A nine year veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard where he continues to serve as a Combat Engineer, Officer Bollmann is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Bollmann will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Justin Bellis A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2011 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Bellis also studied at Sussex County Community College. A 10 year veteran of the Frankford Township Volunteer Fire Department where he continues to serve as a Firefighter, Officer Bellis has also previously served as a 911 Operator and Emergency Dispatcher in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center. Officer Bellis is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Bellis will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Immediately following swearing in the new hires, Sheriff Strada congratulated each of them, welcomed them all to the agency, and wished them success in their careers. Pictured left to right: Sheriff’s Officer Powell, Sheriff’s Officer Bellis, Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Bambrick, Sheriff’s Officer Bollmann, Sheriff’s Officer Gallagher

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Life Saving Award & Two Letters of Commendation < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff Life Saving Award & Two Letters of Commendation Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada May 15, 2025 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff Life Saving Award : Corporal Jennifer VanDerWende and Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller were given the Life Saving Award for their actions during a medical emergency. These officers quickly administered first aid and stabilized the individual enough so that EMS could transport the individual to the hospital for advanced care. The quick actions of both officers resulted in a life being saved. (left to right), Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Corporal Jennifer VanDerWende, Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller Letter of Commendation: As a result of a Crimestoppers tip, Detective Michael Scott was involved in a three-month investigation that resulted in one of the largest CDS seizures in Sussex County history. His dedication to this case involved reviewing hours of surveillance, the application and execution of a search warrants, working together with other law enforcement agencies and he assisted in interviewing and prosecuting the suspects involved. (left to right), Detective Michael Scott, K9 Ace, Sheriff Michael F. Strada Letter of Commendation: Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator Stephanie House, Public Safety Telecommunicators Ashley Hebble, Michael Totaro and Travis Finan were given Letters of Commendation for their work involving a high stress critical incident. These individuals demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to duty stepping seamlessly into their role and they executed their responsibilities without hesitation. (left to right) Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator Stephanie House, Public Safety Telecommunicator Travis Finan, Public Safety Telecommunicator Ashley Hebble, Public Safety Telecommunicator Michael Totaro and Director of Communications Eric Muller Sheriff Strada stated, “I am proud of the work that my staff performs every day without hesitation. It was an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals.”

Arrested: James Sanford, age 38, of Stanhope, NJ and Torey Posey, age 34, of Newton, NJ. < Back Two warrant arrests in the probation department Arrested: James Sanford, age 38, of Stanhope, NJ and Torey Posey, age 34, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered James Sanford. Knowing Sanford to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court arrest warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill placed him under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Sanford was subsequently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. Later that day, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill encountered Torey Posey. Knowing Posey to be the subject of an active arrest warrant out of Sparta Municipal Court, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill immediately placed Posey under arrest. He was transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and then lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. < 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.

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.

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.

Arrested: Cory M. Mendola, age 21, of Hampton Township, NJ. < Back Hampton Township man arrested in Fredon for possession of marijuana Arrested: Cory M. Mendola, age 21, of Hampton Township, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 28, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign, Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray observed a dark colored 2012 Acura TL driving erratically while traveling along County Route 519 in Fredon Township. Sergeant Gray pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver, Cory M. Mendola. Upon speaking with Mendola, Sergeant Gray immediately detected the obvious odor of marijuana from within the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Mendola to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Mendola was arrested, transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing, and subsequently released. Cory M. Mendola was charged with the following offenses: failure to keep right, possession of marijuana in an amount less than 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. Mendola was issued summonses for the above offenses and given a future court date to appear in Fredon Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer Lew Labar assisted in the arrest.

< 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.