Sussex County Sheriff announces promotion of Sgt. Justin McCann, graduation of Investigator Leo Haines
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced the promotion of Detective Justin C. McCann to sergeant within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement, as well as the graduation of Investigator Leo Haines from the Passaic County Police Academy’s Basic Police Class 25-63.
Sergeant McCann, a 2000 graduate of High Point Regional High School and lifelong Sussex County resident, joined the Sheriff’s Office in March 2014 after serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, McCann attained the rank of sergeant and deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his service, he returned home to work for the Andover Township Department of Public Works before entering law enforcement.
A graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy, McCann has served in several assignments over the past decade, including the Courthouse Security and Inmate Transport Unit, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and since 2017, as a canine handler in the Emergency Services Unit (K-9). He is also a certified Field Training Officer, LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) Instructor, Radar Operator Instructor, and FAA-certified drone operator.
His professionalism and dedication have earned him multiple departmental honors, including the Exceptional Duty Award, Grand Cordon Award, Military Service Award, and numerous performance commendations.
“Sergeant McCann exemplifies the values of dedication, professionalism, and leadership that define the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Strada. “His commitment to training, operational excellence, and community safety make him an exceptional addition to our supervisory team.”
McCann will continue to serve within the Bureau of Law Enforcement, overseeing operational and training responsibilities in support of the Sheriff’s Office mission to protect and serve Sussex County residents.
Sheriff Strada also announced the graduation of Investigator Leo Haines, a 2015 graduate of High Point Regional High School who holds an associate degree in criminal justice from the County College of Morris. Before joining the Sheriff’s Office, Haines served seasonally as a Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer in Wildwood in 2019.
“Graduating from the police academy marks a significant milestone in every law enforcement career,” said Sheriff Strada. “We are proud to welcome our newest officer to the Sheriff’s Office family and look forward to his contributions toward maintaining the safety and security of Sussex County.”
Investigator Haines will be assigned to the Bureau of Law Enforcement, where he will begin his field training program and assist in courthouse security, inmate transport, and patrol operations. Sheriff Strada said the addition of new, well-trained officers continues to strengthen the professionalism and effectiveness of the Sheriff’s Office mission to protect and serve the residents of Sussex County.
