ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Atlantic County) — A Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team earned top honors at a national police canine competition hosted by the United States Police Canine Association, officials announced.
Sheriff James M. Gannon said Detective Brian McCormack and K-9 Abbi placed first in the USPCA Region 15 narcotics detection trials and also earned first place overall among approximately 200 K-9 teams from across the country.
The USPCA is a national organization focused on police canine training, certification and competition standards involving narcotics detection, obedience, agility, endurance and officer safety.
Earlier this year, McCormack and Abbi qualified for the national competition after competing in the USPCA Region 15 Narcotics Trial.
The national event, held in Atlantic City, tested teams through vehicle searches, room searches, obedience exercises, endurance events and narcotics detection scenarios.
Officials said McCormack regularly trains with K-9 Abbi in a variety of environments to prepare for real-world deployments.
“Competing at the USPCA National Dog Detection Trials is more than a test of skill, it’s the result of countless hours of training, trust, discipline and the unbreakable bond between handler and K-9. I am honored and blessed to have been selected to represent the Morris County Sheriff’s Canine Section and to have placed first in the Regional Team Narcotics Detection,” said Detective McCormack.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office said the achievement reflects the strength of its K-9 training program and the dedication of the department’s canine section.
Sheriff Gannon praised the accomplishment and the work ethic of the department’s K-9 teams.
“Det. McCormack’s accomplishment is truly amazing. However, it is understandable when you see how hard he and his canine partner Abbi work to achieve success. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and hard work is the fundamental component of all our canine teams. It is what makes the entire Section second to none. I am proud, and the people of Morris County are proud, to have these skilled professionals at the ready and in service to our communities.”
Officials congratulated McCormack, K-9 Abbi and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Section for representing the county at the national level.
