VPI’s K-9 Unit Spotlight – Ewing Police Department

The Hambone Nation Blog is a place where we share interesting stories about some of different pets VPI insures. And when it comes to interesting stories, police dogs have more than their fair share! VPI is proud to help protect more than 60 K-9 units for police departments across the United States and provide a 5 percent discount military, police, firefighters and other sworn officers. Throughout the year, we’d like to profile some of the VPI-insured K-9 units that work tirelessly to help protect the public.

This week’s K-9 spotlight is on the Ewing Township Police Department in Mercer County, New Jersey. The department’s K-9 unit was established in 1994 and currently has four German shepherds trained in a variety of specialties.

Pyro (handled by Carmen Giovacchini) is from Poland and is Ewing’s first K-9 unit. In 2006 Pyro took second place in Novice Patrol Dog Trial at the U.S. Police Canine Association competition.

Max (handled by Nick Lamson) has been with the department since 2005 and has trained around and in the Statue of Liberty.

Jake (handled by Todd Jones) has received the New Jersey Police Chief’s Association Valor Award for apprehending three suspects in a bank robbery.

Bosco (handled by Matt Nemes) unlike his partners who are trained in bomb detection, Bosco is trained and certified in drug detection. In his first year he found more than six kilograms of cocaine and over one million dollars in drug money.

The Ewing police K-9 teams trained in bomb detection are all part of the New Jersey Detect and Render Safe Canine Program. The units are used to as part of homeland security to provide assistance in infrastructure security checks at large venues and important events.

Similar to the Prescott Valley K-9 units, the Ewing dogs are very active in the community. According to Sergeant David LaBaw the departmentis constantly receiving calls from the community asking for demonstrations. The dogs have been to elementary schools and businesses along with participating in the “Kids Academy” every year. The German shepherds are all lovable and enjoy being petted.

Because each platoon in the department has one K-9 unit assigned to it, it is imperative the dogs are in good health and ready for duty. By having a VPI pet insurance policy on each dog, the department is able to provide optimal. This gives the handlers peace of mind and gives the public the best protection possible.