Road-Ready K-9 Unit Gets Much Needed Funding

Cliff the K-9, Washington Township's newest police officer, completed his official training in June, and is now road ready for patrol.

Under the direction of partner Officer Michael Thompson, Cliff, a Belgium Malinois, will be used for motor vehicle stops and to find narcotics while on patrol.

Cliff replaces Kobe, a K-9 that was used under the direction of retired Officer peter Cecere, who left the force after a work-related injury in March 2012. However, to get Cliff medically cleared and fully trained, the expenses were initially funded by Thompson himself.

And those amounted to $12,000, just to get Cliff started.

Long Valley resident Brad Korbel, however, saw the need and importance for Cliff to be on the force, and last week made a donation to K-9 Unit to help with the dog's costs going forward. 

Korbel did not disclose the amount donated but said he intended to help the unit when possible for future expenditures as well. 

Residents interested in helping this cause can send or drop-off donations to the Washington Township Police Department, care of Washington Township PBA Local #301. The mailing address for the police department is 1 East Springtown Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.