West Deptford K-9 'Judge' Hanging up His Gavel

It's never easy to say goodbye to a fellow officer, but that's what West Deptford police have had to do in the case of Judge, the first K-9 member of the force since its police dog program was re-established in 2006.

The 7-year-old German shepherd has been partnered with Ptl. Michael Franks since 2007, when Franks pitched Chief Craig Mangano a 20-page proposal for re-establishing the K-9 division. 

Judge's illustrious record of service was unfortunately shortened due to some medical complications, Mangano told Patch.

"We had a lot of problems with some of his teeth fracturing," Mangano said.

"At one point the four canines in his mouth were capped with titanium, and he was still experiencing fractures in his teeth."

When a dog fractures a tooth, about the only thing a veterinarian can do is pull the tooth, which requires anesthesia. The chronic nature of Judge's dental issues led to concerns about his ability to bite without damaging the rest of his mouth. 

Further attempts to correct the problem would have required additional surgeries, "and it’s not really good to put a dog under anesthesia again and again," Mangano said.

In the interim, however, West Deptford police have picked out a new dog who will be introduced to the public at National Night Out (August 6 at the RiverWinds).

"We held a naming contest with the kids from our community," Mangano said. 

"We have a name picked out and we’re going to be making that public at the K-9 demonstration at National Night Out."

The new K-9 will work with Franks starting in September, the Chief said, attending scent school and then patrol school training.

In the interim, West Deptford's second, active K-9 unit, which comprises Officer Joseph LaMalfa and K-9 Mako, will hold the fort.

As for Judge, retirement doesn't mean saying goodbye to his partner: Franks is adopting him.