Meet Golden Patton
A Rescued Golden named Patton is now serving the community as an Explosives Detection Dog. On May 8, 2006, three members of the Mount Holly Police Department visited Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue's Golden Gateway looking for a high-energy Golden to train in explosives detection. They selected Patton, a stray who had only arrived a short time before, and the rest is history.

Currently [2/07], with Officer Kara McIntosh of the NJ State Police Task Force, his talents are being used to sniff out those shell casings that remain following a shooting. Patton is also utilized to search for guns and related materials during property searches. He continues to sharpen his skills monthly, learning to recognize even more scents than the 20 he now has under his belt. Continuing education is critical for these types of working dogs as they have strict recertification requirements. Happiest when he is at work, Patton is eager to accompany Kara in the marked patrol car that they are in call in for bomb treats in and around South Jersey.

Mount Holly Officer Patrolling Town with a 4-legged Partner
By Todd McHale, Philly Burbs, August 7, 2006

MOUNT HOLLY — Kara McIntosh seems to be a natural fit for the township Police Department's K-9 unit. “Growing up, my mom always had dogs in the house,” McIntosh said. “I have two dogs at home now, and I've always wanted to work with dogs.” So when the three-year veteran of the department got the opportunity to join the K-9 unit, she jumped at the chance.

After a making it through the interview process, McIntosh managed to land the job, making her the first female in the department's history to be named a K-9 officer. “It's a privilege,” McIntosh said last week. “I don't look at it as pressure being the first female K-9 officer. I look at as a challenge. I hope it's one of many firsts with the department.”

Patton, a 11/2-year-old golden retriever who was rescued recently from a shelter, has become McIntosh's partner and a member of the officer's family. While McIntosh said her other two dogs, a Labrador and a pug, took their own time getting to know Patton, for the most part it has been an easy transition. “It's been smooth,” McIntosh said. “(Patton) has already made it to the family status.”

After 12 weeks of training in explosives detection with the New Jersey State Police, McIntosh and Patton hit the streets last week. McIntosh and Patton will be working with a statewide task force under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in addition to their patrol duties in the township. The pair also will respond to bomb threats in the area and participate in educational demonstrations.

McIntosh said she's confident Patton will keep her safe from any explosive devices, but there are risks involved just in being a patrol officer. “You have to mentally prepare yourself,” McIntosh said. “When you come to work, of course, you want to come home at the end of the day.”

While it's only been a few days since McIntosh and Patton started working together, the officer seems happy with her new partner. “I like it a lot,” McIntosh said. “It's nice to have him with me on the night shift. Every day, he's waiting at the gate and is excited to go to work.”

She even likes the one-sided conversations with her new partner. “There are definitely no wisecracks,” McIntosh said.
 

Mount Holly K-9 Receives Life-Protecting Donation
Associated Humane Societies, September 26, 2006

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ – On first look, Patton, a Golden Retriever, looks like a sweet, easygoing house pet. Don’t let looks deceive. Patton is a trained police dog.

With his partner, Police Officer Kara McIntosh, patrols Mount Holly, ready at a moment’s notice to sacrifice his safety for the sake of others. Patton protects. Patton serves.

Thanks to a generous donation to the Associated Humane Societies’ Vested Interest program from Jacqueline Mock of Kunkletown, Pa., Patton now wears a bullet- and knife-proof vest while on patrol. And Officer McIntosh can now work with the confidence that her partner is protected.

Some 950 police dogs in New Jersey and another 150 around the nation have received protection through the AHS Vested Interest program. The program began in 1998, after the fatal shooting of a Monmouth County Sheriff Department’s K-9, named Solo. The ultimate goal of Vested Interest is to provide a vest for every police dog that graduates the academy.

Unfortunately, the dramatic cost increase for the vests, coupled with a decline in donations to the program is making this goal much more challenging.

`We continue to receive requests as new K-9s graduate the police academy or if a new dog is added to a unit. But we can only continue on if the generous donations like the one made by Ms. Mock continue,' said Roseann Trezza, Executive Director of Associated Humane Societies. `These dedicated public servants protect our health and safety everyday. We owe it to them to see that they are protected as well.'

A majority of the support for the program comes from school groups, civic groups and private citizens. Oftentimes, local K-9 Unit handlers will give demonstrations at meetings or school assemblies in partnership with Vested Interest fundraising activities. Organizations are encouraged to learn more about Vested Interest by contacting program coordinator Debbie Beyfuss via e-mail or by phone at 973-824-7080.

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