Chico, a 3-year-old German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, was acquired from the Galloway Township Police Department at the end of January.
The Moorestown Police Department recently acquired the “pawfect” addition to its staff. After months of searching for an additional police K9, Chico, a 3-year-old Czech/Malinois mix, was officially given the job on Saturday, Jan. 28.
Born in the Czech Republic, Chico began his career in criminal justice when he was admitted to police K9 patrol class at Atlantic County John “Sonny” Burke Police K9 Academy alongside his original handler, Officer Hiram Melendez of the Galloway Township Police Department, in May 2014. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he was taken off patrol in 2016 when Melendez was injured on the job.
At this point, the Galloway Township Police Department was faced with the decision of whether to send Chico to another department to continue his role in law enforcement, or to retire him from the line of duty. Ultimately, because the director of the Atlantic County John “Sonny” Burke Police K9 academy, Joe Nick, had heard the Moorestown Police Department was searching for a new K9, he acted as liaison between both departments to initiate Chico’s transfer.
Building on his Galloway Township success, which included apprehending an armed subject who had fled from a vehicle, the Moorestown Police Department chose to pair Chico with 29-year-old Ptl. Kevin Sloan, originally of Manchester Township. Chosen to handle the department’s first K9 since Ptl. William Hare retired his partner, Alpha, in 2007, Sloan hopes to set a good example while working with Chico, and to additionally exceed everyone’s expectations.
“Ptl. Sloan came highly recommended from Hammonton Police Department [two years ago] from where he was laterally transferred. He has shown himself to be a level-headed, respectful and pro-active officer, which is why we are giving him the opportunity to be a K9 handler,” Chief Lee R. Liever, a former K9 handler himself, said. “He has spent a great deal of time, much on his own, helping [the department] work toward the reinstitution of its K9 unit.”
Having always loved dogs, and with 8.5 years of experience in the field, Sloan always knew K9 handling was the direction he wanted to take his law enforcement career. Thus, when Lieber began the process of re-instituting Moorestown’s K-9 unit, he allowed Sloan to contribute to a lot of the “leg work” involved.
“The more I had the opportunity to observe other handlers working with their dogs, seeing the bond between them and their dog, and also speaking with them, the more I knew this is what I wanted to do with my career,” Sloan said. “In my initial interview with Moorestown to become an officer, I mentioned to Chief Lieber that becoming a K9 handler was a career goal of mine.”
Sloan and Chico will be attending a 24-week dual purpose class together at the Atlantic County John “Sonny” Burke K9 Academy in March. Although Chico has already passed the patrol K9 portion of the training but, he must complete it again with his new handler. During this time, Chico will once again be trained for tracking, control and obedience, and this time will additionally be trained in narcotics detection.
Excited to begin this new, exciting chapter with the Moorestown Police Department, Sloan’s first goal is to successfully complete the required training. From there, the possibilities for successfully policing between he and Chico are endless.
“Once finished, I hope we set a good example to keep the K-9 unit going in Moorestown,” Sloan said. “Being able to see [dogs] work and what they can do is incredible. The best part about it is you get to work, with not only a partner, but your best friend every day.”
