Two officers and their K-9’s recently participated in the United States Police Canine Association’s National Detector Dog Trials.
The following information is on file with the Mt. Laurel Township Police Department:
The Mt. Laurel Township Police Department has announced that its K-9 unit has achieved national certification in narcotics detection from the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA).
Cpl. Chris O’Prandy and K-9 Gunner, as well as Officer Wilmer Santiago and K-9 Nina, participated in the USPCA National Detector Dog Trials at Stockton University from May 20 through May 23.
According to Mt. Laurel Police officials, the USPCA is the oldest and largest police canine association in the nation and provides certification to a national standard for police dogs.
Police say the purpose of the event was to bring together the top detection dog teams in the nation for training, certification, and competition.
According to police, more than 100 teams from throughout the United States participated in the event, and as a result of the trials, the Mt. Laurel Township Police Department K-9 Unit achieved national certification in narcotics detection.
Police say department’s K-9 unit placed third overall as a department team, and Cpl. OPrandy, with his K-9 partner Gunner, were ranked in the top 15 teams overall.
Police say the department’s K-9 teams also achieved USPCA Patrol Dog Certification in 2017.
According to police officials, it is rare that teams receive USPCA certification in both patrol and detection.
Police officials say the duel certification reflects “the hard work and dedication” of the department’s K-9 unit and the department “couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.”
