PARSIPPANY — Officers Tomasini and Perez of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office visited the first graders at Northvail Elementary School to teach the children about police dogs and their significance to the department.
They brought along Zander and Kiara, both Belgian Malinoises. This dog breed is known for being very protective and hardworking.
They also have the signature hallmark of all dogs, a keen nose. Malinoises are now favored over the more traditional German Shepard for police work due to their intellect and attentiveness, both necessary traits for effective police work.
First grade teacher Ms. Cassetta observed, “The children were thrilled to meet real officers from the K-9 unit and of course their special dogs.
I think the presentation was a fantastic way for the children to learn more about such important members of our community.” She added, “This educational experience will leave a lasting impression on them.”
The officers talked about how K-9 units are trained, their duties, some of the costs involved with specialized dogs, and the benefits of having a canine unit as part of a police force. The officers also fielded many questions from the students. Officer Perez even demonstrated some of 9-year-old Zander’s tricks to the delight of the awestruck children.
The K-9 unit supports all thirty-nine municipalities of Morris County, twenty-four hours a day, and seven days a week.
