Sheriff’s Office K-9 team graduates

Sheriff Shaun Golden has announced the newest team to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Sheriff’s Officer Michael Mindo and his K-9 Tango, a German shepherd, graduated from the New Jersey State Police Canine Training Academy on June 13, after 14 weeks of intense training.
“It’s an honor to welcome this highly trained K-9 team to our unit,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden.  “S/O Mindo and his partner Tango will prove to be a great asset to Monmouth County and local police departments when it comes to combatting the proliferation of drugs.”

During the graduation ceremony, held in Hamilton Township, each team received diplomas and officially became narcotics or explosive detection teams who met all the requirements set forth by the State of New Jersey, Office of Attorney General guidelines.
The K-9 graduate teams, trained through tracking scent, consisted of five narcotic detection teams and ten explosive detection teams. Each team trained on New Jersey State Police trooper boats, at Liberty State Park and in vacant buildings and lots.  The academy also focused on case law, crime scene preservation, basic obedience, agility, environmental training and socialization with crowds.

“I’m grateful to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office for providing Tango and me with this opportunity, and, proud to be a part of our narcotics detection team, which has seized a significant amount of narcotics and money as a result of drug investigations,” said S/O Michael Mindo.

“The sheriff’s office K-9 unit has assisted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office on many cases. These K-9 teams play a vital role in continuing the fight against drugs and when it comes to bolstering homeland security capabilities,” said First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Marc LeMieux.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit presently consists of six sheriff’s officers/K-9 handlers and dogs which include two narcotics detection teams, two explosive detection teams, one narcotic patrol team and one explosive patrol team.