Brix, the latest member of the Secaucus Police Department’s K-9 Unit, is ready for duty after completing his training yesterday, Police Chief Dennis Miller said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“K-9 Brix will become an integral part of our police department and further proactive policing,” Miller said in a statement.
“I commend Police Officer Pein for all of his hard work. I also want to thank Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton for the opportunity to attend his Canine Academy.”
In September 2020, the Secaucus PD established the first Canine Unit in its history, with a very generous financial donation from the Steven Strobert Foundation.
The nine-month old German Shepherd, named “Strobe” in memory of Steven Strobert, was purchased from Connecticut Canine Services. In 2021, K-9 Strobe was retired after his handler, Police Officer Vince DeFazio, was promoted to Sergeant.
In September 2022, the Secaucus Police Department re-established the Canine Unit.
The 19-month old German Shepherd, named “Brix,” was purchased from Connecticut Canine Services with money from forfeited funds.
Canine Handler, Tyler Pein and Brix have undergone 29 weeks of vigorous training at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Canine Academy, which culminated yesterday.
This Secaucus Police Canine Patrol Team has been trained in agility, obedience, article/evidence searches, scent work, tracking, criminal apprehension and handler protection.
Brix has also been trained to detect various controlled dangerous substances, with the exception of marijuana.
The Canine Unit is assigned to the Operations Section and will assist the Secaucus Police Department in furthering proactive policing. Brix will also be utilized for community demonstrations, in hopes of enhancing community policing efforts.
