Sheriff’s Office Thanks Monmouth University’s Criminal Justice Honor Society For Help In Protecting K-9 Unit

West Long Branch: The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit will continue to fight crime in a safe and secure manner thanks to the members of Alpha Phi Sigma’s Criminal Justice Honor Society from Monmouth University. On May 3, Alpha Phi Sigma presented Sheriff Shaun Golden and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit with a check for $1,631, which will be used toward the purchase of a new K-9 bullet proof vest.

“We are grateful to Alpha Phi Sigma for their continuing dedication to this cause and thank all for their generous donations,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “These canine teams deal in narcotics and explosives detection as well as suspect apprehension and it’s crucial that they are protected while maintaining public safety.”

The funds were raised through the 5th annual Paws for a Cause event which was held in March and raises money for a K-9 bullet proof vest. Various K-9 demonstrations were held at Monmouth University’s Student Center during the event. The MCSO K-9 Unit presently consists of 7 handlers and 8 K-9s. The unit includes 2 explosive/patrol teams, 3 narcotics/patrol teams, 1 explosive team, 1 tracking team and 1 narcotics team.  In 2016, the K-9 Unit was called out on 145 explosive detection calls, 330 tracking calls and 311 narcotics calls.

The unit undergoes rigorous ongoing training programs to maintain proficiency in basic skills and ensure continued effective performance in the field. In 1997, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office lost one of its own, K-9 Solo. Solo, a German shepherd, was shot during an attempted apprehension of a wanted individual.

“These K-9s risk their lives to protect us,” said Patricia Toomey, President of Alpha Phi Sigma. “Bulletproof vests are expensive and Alpha Phi Sigma wants to show our appreciation by raising money to vest a canine that needs protection.”

The average cost for a canine vest is $850 dollars. The funds collected this year will be used toward the purchase of another needed vest for the unit. If an individual would like to make a donation to the MCSO’s K-9 Unit, all checks need to be made payable to the Monmouth County Treasurer with a letter indicating the funds are for the MCSO K-9 Donation Fund and sent to 2500 Kozloski Rd., Freehold Twp., N.J, 07728.

For a downloadable version of this press release, click here: News Release – MCSO Thanks Mon U’s Criminal Justice Honor Society for Help in Protecting K9 Unit