February 20, 2019
For Immediate Release
For More Information
Contact: Jody Hirata
(856) 453-2125
jodyhi@co.cumberland.nj.us
COUNTY SPONSORS K-9 PROGRAM CONTEST
Since March 2017, Freeholder Deputy Director Darlene Barber, Freeholder Carol Musso, and Sheriff Robert Austino along with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department has honored the extraordinary impact former K-9 Officer, Boomer, has made on public safety awareness in our community by sponsoring fundraising events to support the Cumberland County K-9 unit. Sadly, Boomer died from cancer on March 28, 2016. Boomer became a local legend as the canine face of the unit appearing at demonstrations at many local schools and community events. When not raising local public safety awareness, Boomer provided bomb detection support to Cumberland County area law enforcement and even performed his duties at national events such as Miss America Pageants, LPGA Professional Golf Tournaments and the Super Bowl.
The K-9 unit was formed in 2009 under the direction of Sheriff Robert A. Austino. The K-9 unit and their canine officers are trained to search for missing children or seniors, locate explosives, narcotics and weapons, as well as track and apprehend suspects. K-9 dogs are often called upon to put themselves in harm’s way to protect their human partners. Sheriff Austino is justifiably proud of the program stating, “Our K-9 unit is routinely call upon to render assistance to law enforcement agencies throughout the region.”
“A well trained and equipped K-9 unit is essential for our public safety and financial support from our community to defray the costs is critical to its success”, stated Freeholder Deputy Director Darlene Barber. Freeholder Barber explained, “program expenses include the costs for the acquisition of the canines as well as the specialized training and equipment necessary to operate an effective K-9 unit’”.
For 2019, the Freeholders are excited for the public and private partnership with Century Savings Bank, “Pennies for Boomer”, which features a friendly contest among fifth grade classes at nine local schools. Freeholder Carol Musso and Century Bank Vice President, stated, “we are gratified to see such broad participation throughout Cumberland County and believe that the K-9 program is the perfect way to introduce our young people to the vital work our law enforcement officers do every day.” The participating schools are: Mennie’s Elementary School (Vineland), Dane Barse School (Vineland), Moore Elementary School (Upper Deerfield Twp.), John H. Winslow Elementary School (Millville), Cherry Street School (Bridgeton), Downe Township School, Deerfield Township School, Indian Avenue School (Bridgeton), and West Avenue School (Bridgeton).
Through March 28, 2019, students will solicit donations of pennies which will be collected by the Sheriff’s Department during the week of April 1, 2019. The pennies will be delivered and counted at Century Savings Bank and the winning school’s fifth grade class will be publically announced at the May 28, 2019 Freeholder meeting. Century Savings Bank will treat the winning schools’ fifth grade class to a pizza party.
The Cumberland County Freeholders urge everyone to, “break open those piggy banks” and make a donation in Boomer’s memory to support our vitally important K-9 unit.
Freeholder Deputy Director Darlene Barber, Freeholder Carol Musso, and Sheriff Robert Austino have been leading the effort of the committee along with Sergeant Darrell Meyers, Officer Craig Johnson, Officer Ryan Riley, K-9 Cita, K-9 Wiccan, K-9 Kash, and K-9 Memphis. For further information or to make donations, please contact Officer Craig Johnson at the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department at craigjo@co.cumberland.nj.us or 856-451-4449, extension 25123 or Officer Ryan Riley at ryanri@co.cumberland.nj.us.
(Photo on left: Sheriff's Officer Craig Johnson with students and the late "Officer K-9 Boomer)
(Photo on right: Sheriff's Officer K-9 Cita)