In September 2020, the Secaucus Police Department established the first Canine Unit in its history, with a very generous financial donation from the Steven Strobert Foundation. The nine-month old German Shepherd, named “Strobe,” in memory of Steven Strobert, was purchased from Connecticut Canine Services. In 2021, K-9 Strobe was retired after his handler, Police Officer Vince DeFazio, was promoted to Sergeant.
In September 2022, the Secaucus Police Department re-established the Canine Unit. The nineteen-month old German Shepherd, named “Brix,” was purchased from Connecticut Canine Services with money from forfeited funds. Canine Handler, Tyler Pein and Brix have undergone twenty-nine weeks of vigorous training at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Canine Academy, which culminated on April 14, 2023. This Secaucus Police Canine Patrol Team have been trained in agility, obedience, article/evidence searches, scent work, tracking, criminal apprehension and handler protection. Brix 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. Brix will also be utilized for community demonstrations, in hopes of enhancing our community policing efforts.
“K-9 Brix will become an integral part of our police department and further proactive policing,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “I commend Police Officer Pein for all of his hard work. I also want to thank Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton for the opportunity to attend his Canine Academy.”
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