MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Eight K-9 teams from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office have successfully earned regional certifications in several detection disciplines through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 15, officials announced.
Sheriff James M. Gannon said the certifications highlight the training and professionalism of the department’s Patrol Division Canine Section.
“These noteworthy accomplishments reinforce the professionalism exhibited every day by the officers of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and specifically the Patrol Division’s Canine Section. We want the people of Morris County to be assured their Sheriff’s Office is there and ready if they need us. Congratulations to all our K9 teams and their success!” Gannon said.
During the regional trials, Sgt. John Granato and K-9 Rio, who are assigned to the Morris County Correctional Facility, earned the Overall Top Dog Award.
The United States Police Canine Association, founded in 1971, is one of the nation’s largest police canine organizations. The group trains and certifies law enforcement K-9 teams in multiple disciplines including patrol work, tracking, protection, narcotics detection, explosives detection, arson investigation and search and rescue.
According to the organization, its certification programs have been recognized by U.S. Supreme Court and federal district court rulings as a legitimate standard for evaluating police canine teams.
The certification tests included a variety of scenarios, such as line searches, room searches and vehicle searches.
Several Morris County teams earned certifications in narcotics detection, including:
- Detective Cpl. Marc Adamsky and K-9 Xena
- Detective Cpl. David Marshall and K-9 Spendo
- Detective Marc Slinger and K-9 Zara
- Detective Brian McCormack and K-9 Abbi
- Sgt. John Granato and K-9 Rio
Teams also earned certifications in explosives detection, including:
- Detective David Marshall and K-9 Hunter
- Detective Marc Slinger and K-9 Odie
- Detective Travis Dean and K-9 JoJo
Granato and K-9 Rio also received certification in electronics detection.
