Homeland Security grant funds new police dog, vehicle
Homeland Security grant funds new police dog, vehicle
August 4, 2009
The newest member of Rowan University's Department of Public Safety brought along crime fighting know-how, a new patrol vehicle and a even bit of star power with him.
Tito, a 72-pound black and tan German shepherd, is the second dog to join the department's K-9 unit.
Handled by Sgt. Carrie Rathof, Tito was acquired by the department through a $55,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The grant funded the dog's acquisition from Slovakia, his training, equipment, and a new K-9 vehicle, a 2009 Dodge Durango. A new mobile data terminal for the Durango also was included in the grant, according to Reed Layton, senior director of the Department for Public Safety.
Tito graduated from the patrol division of the Philadelphia Police Academy in February and completed bomb detection training with the New Jersey State Police Academy in July. His presence enhances the University's safety efforts, says Layton.
"Our campus has a lot of activities and a lot of visits by dignitaries and VIPs," says Layton. "Prior to getting Tito, we had to rely on the State Police dogs to detect explosives. Now, we're self-equipped. We're part of the State Police team and our dog is a resource for the whole county."
Already strong partners, Rathof and Tito are likely to draw attention in the K-9 law enforcement field, which is generally still male-dominated. In fact, the pair will be featured on the 2010 "Cops & Dogs" calendar, which will be published this month. A shot of Rathof with Tito hoisted on her shoulders is featured in the calendar.
Proceeds from the "Cops & Dogs" calendar benefit Kevlar for K9s, a non-profit organization that provides bullet-proof vests for police dogs.
The first-ever female police officer at Rowan when she joined the department in 1997, Rathof says working with Tito will enhance her career and continue the department's positive growth.
"When I graduated from the academy, I was the fourth officer in the department. Today, we have 22. The department is really growing," says Rathof, a 2003 graduate of the Gloucester County Police Department who earned her bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science from Rowan's College of Education in 1997. She was promoted to sergeant in 2007.
"It's my privilege to have Tito as my partner," she adds. "It's exciting for me. He brings me to new avenues in my career."
Tito joins Brix, handled by Ptl. Tom Redman, in the department's K-9 force. Also bred in Slovakia, Brix joined Rowan in May of 2008.
When the dogs aren't working, they live at home with their handlers. Both dogs are even-tempered, but always ready to get to work, says Layton.
"We have to have friendly dogs. We're in a different environment than a regular police department," Layton says.
Tito, a 72-pound black and tan German shepherd, is the second dog to join the department's K-9 unit.
Handled by Sgt. Carrie Rathof, Tito was acquired by the department through a $55,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The grant funded the dog's acquisition from Slovakia, his training, equipment, and a new K-9 vehicle, a 2009 Dodge Durango. A new mobile data terminal for the Durango also was included in the grant, according to Reed Layton, senior director of the Department for Public Safety.
Tito graduated from the patrol division of the Philadelphia Police Academy in February and completed bomb detection training with the New Jersey State Police Academy in July. His presence enhances the University's safety efforts, says Layton.
"Our campus has a lot of activities and a lot of visits by dignitaries and VIPs," says Layton. "Prior to getting Tito, we had to rely on the State Police dogs to detect explosives. Now, we're self-equipped. We're part of the State Police team and our dog is a resource for the whole county."
Already strong partners, Rathof and Tito are likely to draw attention in the K-9 law enforcement field, which is generally still male-dominated. In fact, the pair will be featured on the 2010 "Cops & Dogs" calendar, which will be published this month. A shot of Rathof with Tito hoisted on her shoulders is featured in the calendar.
Proceeds from the "Cops & Dogs" calendar benefit Kevlar for K9s, a non-profit organization that provides bullet-proof vests for police dogs.
The first-ever female police officer at Rowan when she joined the department in 1997, Rathof says working with Tito will enhance her career and continue the department's positive growth.
"When I graduated from the academy, I was the fourth officer in the department. Today, we have 22. The department is really growing," says Rathof, a 2003 graduate of the Gloucester County Police Department who earned her bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science from Rowan's College of Education in 1997. She was promoted to sergeant in 2007.
"It's my privilege to have Tito as my partner," she adds. "It's exciting for me. He brings me to new avenues in my career."
Tito joins Brix, handled by Ptl. Tom Redman, in the department's K-9 force. Also bred in Slovakia, Brix joined Rowan in May of 2008.
When the dogs aren't working, they live at home with their handlers. Both dogs are even-tempered, but always ready to get to work, says Layton.
"We have to have friendly dogs. We're in a different environment than a regular police department," Layton says.