Officer Kevin Sloan and the Moorestown police K-9 Saltz have something to celebrate.
On Dec. 3, Saltz graduated from the 12-week Scent Detection Dog Course at the Atlantic County K-9 Academy in time to replace the department’s retired K-9 Chico.
Through the Hometown Foundation, the Anderson family of Moorestown donated Saltz to the K-9 program. He currently lives with Sloan and Chico, and Sloan’s other two German shepherds.
“I’ve always had an interest in dogs,” said Sloan. “I’ve always had dogs growing up.”
Sloan explained that when he started working in the police force, he studied the work of K-9 handlers and volunteered to help with training.
“The more I did that, the more I realized that this is exactly what I want to do with my career,” he recalled.
Former K-9 Chico served with the Galloway Township Police Department for four years before working with Sloan. When Sloan graduated from the Atlantic County K-9 Academy, he and Chico jumped right into business.
“He taught me a lot as far as the capabilities of a fully trained police dog, so it was a very good relationship, because I’ve learned a lot from him through all the training,” Sloan noted.
But working with a new K-9 has been an adjustment for the officer.
“Every dog is different in the way they work,” explained Sloan, who then noted that along with learning how Saltz works, he’s also bonded with the animal.
“You’re with these dogs more than you’re with your family,” he said. “Saltz and Chico were with me 12 hours a day; every day that I go to work, he comes with me.”
Saltz is certified in narcotics detection and tracking and evidence recovery.
“He’s able to track missing people, missing juveniles, people with disabilities; he’s able to assist us in locating people in a timely manner,” Sloan revealed.
Saltz is now the police department’s only K-9.
“Because the program has been so successful since it was reinstated, there is a possibility that we would add an additional dog here,” Sloan said. “Those options are still getting worked out.”
Meanwhile, the officer appreciates the community’s support.
“We’re here to do any sort of demonstration, if need be, and we’re more than willing to come out and do some community outreach,” he said.
