Clinton Township K-9 Tapko named 2025 K-9 Hunterdon County Crime Stopper of the Year
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Clinton Township Police Department’s K-9 Tapko has been named the 2025 K-9 Hunterdon County Crime Stopper of the Year, recognizing the German shepherd’s exceptional service and dedication alongside his handler, Sgt. John Tiger.
The award honors Tapko’s work between January 1 and July 2025, but his impact extends well beyond that. Since January 2024, Sgt. Tiger and K-9 Tapko have responded to 76 incidents, often under challenging and dangerous conditions. Their work has led to 11 successful subject locations from 22 tracks, including missing persons and fleeing suspects, as well as 43 narcotics searches that resulted in 32 arrests and the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, Suboxone, ketamine, PCP, and $24,000 in cash.
The K-9 team has also been instrumental in weapons recoveries, including an imitation firearm, a collapsible baton, and a switchblade knife. Tapko has assisted multiple agencies — including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, New Jersey State Police, and several municipal departments — and has helped capture burglary and stolen vehicle suspects after extended tracks covering several miles, sometimes in severe weather.
Tapko’s presence has also helped de-escalate dangerous encounters, with officers using his presence to gain compliance from actively resisting suspects and prevent injuries to both officers and civilians.
Sgt. Tiger’s expertise, paired with Tapko’s skill and drive, has produced consistent results — stopping crimes in progress, solving ongoing investigations, and protecting the lives of citizens and officers alike. “Their work reflects tireless commitment, outstanding professionalism, and the courage to respond to danger on behalf of the community — whether on or off duty,” the department said in recognition of the team’s achievements.
In a Facebook post, the department added that behind the raw numbers are countless hours of training and teamwork. “Lost in the brief pages of a citation are the joys felt when you find the missing and suicidal juvenile before they harm themselves, the sense of pride when you emerge bloody, muddy, and sweating from the woods with suspects in custody, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from helping the community,” the post read.
Tapko attended the award ceremony with Sgt. Tiger and was joined by fellow Clinton Township officers Patrolman Ramos and Detective Musacchio, who were also recognized for their outstanding work.
The department said Tapko has since returned to patrol — ready to answer the next call to serve his community.
