K-9 trainee "Tazor" made his public debut Tuesday, before a crowd of thousands, a host of other law dogs, and the score of West Deptford kids who gave him his new name.
A crowd of children who all voted in the dog-naming contest lined up to receive token coins from West Deptford K-9 officers Michael Franks and Joseph LaMalfa at National Night Out.
The seven—that's right, seven—kids who all suggested the same winning name were further distinguished with plaques, a photo op with officers and bragging rights for getting to name the new dog.
Then it was a solid hour of rock music and an emceed police dog demonstration with representatives from units throughout Gloucester County.
The crowd laughed and applauded as East Greenwich Ptl. Philip Owens led K-9 Deuce through a routine in which he brought down training decoy, Mantua Police Lt. Jeff Ferry, in one of several "bad guy" costumes.
They howled as Ptl. Michael Franks, Tazor's new handler, donned a full-body suit and took on two of the dogs, wrestling with LaMalfa's K-9 Mako before being taken to the ground.
They were impressed when Rowan University Police Sgt. Carrie Rathof's K-9 partner, Tito, performed a scent tracking exercise, locating two small items that had been handled by children in the football-field-sized area.
But most importantly, said West Deptford Mayor Ray Chintall, the event showed the members of the community that those who work to keep them safe have a strong sense of humor and compassion.
"It just shows community support of the police department," Chintall said, "and how important the service they provide is.
"It shows that police officers are human beings," he said.
"It's a great event for bringing the community closer," agreed Chief Craig Mangano.
Tazor, who is replacing retired K-9 Judge, will have to go through several months of schooling with Franks before he is sworn into service. But he comes highly recommended.
The Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix was imported from Holland, hand-picked by trainers from the Tripwire Operations Group, said West Deptford K-9 supervisor Lt. Sean McKenna.
Of the 75 dogs tested by the handlers at Tripwire for K-9 duty, Tazor was one of only two who was chosen.
He's slightly smaller than some of his cohorts, and McKenna says that makes the dog more able to navigate in close corners and smaller areas as needed.
McKenna described Tazor as a "tough dog, high energy, very agile" who is also friendly with children and should be an excellent addition to the force.
If he accumulates a record comparable to that of Judge, Tazor could make back his $6,800 price tag tenfold in seizures.
Did you miss the K-9 demo at National Night Out? Click the video above for some highlights.
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