The Medford Township Police has announced the retirement of a special member of the police department, police K9 “Nomos” on Sept. 16. K9 Nomos and his handler, patrolman Joseph Canuso have worked as a K9 team for nine years serving the residents of Medford Township as members of the patrol bureau.
Nomos, a Belgium Malinois was purchased using funds from the Homeland Security Grant “Detect and Render Safe.” Patrolman Canuso and Nomos were extensively trained by the New Jersey State Police, graduating from Police Scent Detection Class №19 in 2005, and Patrol K9 Class №8 in 2008. The K9 team specializes in explosives detection, article searches, missing person tracks and suspect apprehension. The team was a member of the state Detect and Render Safe Explosive Task Force responding to bomb threats throughout the state.
Throughout his career, Nomos responded to hundreds of incidents to include explosive sweeps, building and field searches, human tracks, and article searches. Canuso and Nomos have also participated in countless scholastic and community events throughout the township of Medford. In 2013, Patrolman they competed in the United States Police Canine Association K9 Trials, a national competition that measures the K9 teams overall skill in obedience, agility and apprehension. Canuso and Nomos ranked 13th out of 160 teams.
Canuso and Nomos have served the township with professionalism and distinction throughout their assignment, which has improved the efficiency of the police department and touched many lives along the way. The K9 team has received numerous awards to include an Exceptional Duty and K9 Service Medal.
On Sept. 16, Nomos will officially retire, but the bond forged between Nomos and Canuso won’t be broken. Nomos will be released into the care of Canuso and his family, with whom the dog has lived with ever since Canuso became Nomos’ handler.
The Medford Township Police will honor Nomos at the Medford Township Council Meeting being held on Sept. 16 at 7:30pm in the Public Safety Building. Community members are welcome to attend the meeting.
