In October 2020, the Secaucus Police Department was able to establish the first Canine Unit in its history, with a very generous financial donation from the Steven Strobert Foundation. The Steven Strobert Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in memory of Secaucus native Steven Strobert, a 33-year-old Cantor Fitzgerald broker who perished in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
The ten-month old German Shepherd, named “Strobe,” in memory of Steven Strobert, was purchased from Connecticut Canine Services. Canine Handler, Police Officer Vince DeFazio, and Strobe have undergone twenty-nine weeks of rigorous training at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Canine Academy, which culminated on May 10, 2021. This Secaucus Police Canine Patrol Team have been trained in agility, obedience, article/evidence searches, scent work, criminal apprehension and handler protection. Strobe has also been trained to detect various controlled dangerous substances, with the exception of marijuana.
The Canine Unit is assigned to the Operations Section and will assist the Secaucus Police Department in furthering proactive policing. Strobe will also be utilized for community demonstrations, in hopes of enhancing our community policing efforts.
“I truly hope Strobe may bring the Strobert family some solace by knowing that Steven’s memory will continue to live on,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “When questioned about the meaning behind Strobe’s name, Steven’s story and sacrifice will be told, thereby keeping his memory and spirit very much alive.” “I also want to thank Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton for the opportunity to attend his Canine Academy.”
“Adding canines to our police force is something I have always dreamed of,” Mayor Michael J. Gonnelli said. “Strobe will be an addition to the police department’s proactive policing efforts, but will simultaneously be serving as a remembrance of one of our beloved residents,” Gonnelli said.
The Secaucus Animal Shelter, under the leadership of Chris Conte, is graciously donating veterinary services for Strobe. “It is my pleasure to sponsor Strobe our 1st K-9 dog in honor of the Steven Strobert Foundation,” Conte said.
