Goshen police to add K9 unit

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — The Village of Goshen Police Department will add a K9 unit to its field of services, using a grant from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
The grant was awarded Feb. 27. Police Chief James Watt said the department applied for the $50,000 grant about nine months ago. It covers the cost of the canine, a dedicated vehicle, and supplemental equipment.
A 12-month-old German Shepherd named Nik is undergoing basic patrol dog training for four months at the Orange County K9 Academy, located at the Orange County Airport. After a little time off, he will continue training in explosives detection — learning to passively react to 18 different explosives — for three months. Nik has been in training for several weeks.
The entire time he will train with his handler, Sergeant John Manna, who brings the 65-pound shepherd home with him nightly.
“They’re in the bonding phase right now,” said Chief Watt.
When training is completed, besides detecting explosives, Nik will have the ability to track lost and wanted people, locate crime scene evidence, search buildings, search open-areas, and apprehend criminals.
“We’re excited about this new addition for a number of reasons,” said Chief Watt. “We host a lot of large scale community events, the Orange County Government Center will open this year, there’s a potential large theme park coming to our border, and we host senior facilities, and medical and mental health facilities posing the possibility of lost individuals.”
The chief went on to list the many schools in Goshen, including the Goshen School District, BOCES, Inspire, along with day care centers, and religious institutions, noting the Chabad of Orange County.
“We know nationally Jewish centers have been targets of bomb threats,” said Watt.
Among others, dogs currently in training at the K9 Academy are from the Town of Woodbury, City of Port Jervis, and the Town of Wallkill.
“We’re the only municipality to get a grant; possibly our position as County Seat was helpful in getting this grant,” said the chief.
“The K9 unit is good for community relations," said Watt. "It opens up communication with village residents. Nik is a friendly community pet — children and adults can interact with him. This addition will bring the department closer to the community."
See related story, "Federal grants will strengthen counter terrorism efforts."