Died – 3\/10\/18
\nHandler – Officer William Comerro<\/p>\n
Farewell to Beloved K-9 Officer Max<\/p>\n
People often say a dog is a man\u2019s best friend. In this case, K-9 officer Max had several best friends during his time on duty at Montclair State University before he died on March 10. Max, an 11-year-old golden retriever, had a long history of serving the public. After graduating from the New Jersey State Police K-9 course in 2008, he began his service at Montclair State as one of the first K-9s at the University Police Department. He was recognized for detecting the scent of narcotics. Along with his handler, Officer William Comerro, Max helped conduct investigations on and off campus in such locations throughout Essex, Passaic and Somerset Counties. They\u2019ve also assisted the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). \u201cHis training was relentless so that courts and judges would accept his detection of narcotics,\u201d Capt. Kieran Barrett said. \u201cMax gave countless demonstrations across New Jersey to schools, scout groups and police departments to both educate on the dangers of narcotics and also to demonstrate the impeachable evidence that a working dog in law enforcement could provide.\u201d K-9 dogs are trained to assist law enforcement in searching for drugs, among many other duties. They are extremely helpful in keeping the campus safe and many have recognized this such as freshman computer science major Kai Curtis.\u201c[I] think dogs are important on campus because it makes me feel secure and safe knowing that these dogs are trained to stop most situations,\u201d said Curtis. Max helped officers search for narcotics and his determination brought those breaking the law to justice. His cheerful disposition brought him close to his fellow officers through their efforts to keep the community safe. Comerro also credited the K-9 for \u201cmaking my career by making me a trained K-9 supervisor.\u201d After working together for 10 years as partners, Comerro remembers Max as his \u201cbest friend [and] best partner.\u201d To honor his fallen partner, a plaque was hung in Max\u2019s honor at the station to keep his memory alive for future generations. Barrett also expressed how important Max was to the Montclair State community along with being a \u201cgood detective as well.\u201d \u201cMax was a very easygoing dog that people loved to approach, and he gave them affection,\u201d Barrett said. As a sworn member of the agency, the badge number that Max wore will be retired. According to Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dr. Karen Pennington, a month of mourning will take place for Max for his efforts in keeping the Montclair State community safe. \u201c[He] meant the world to this agency and as with any dog, they become part of our family and there was never a glum face when Max entered headquarters,\u201d Barrett said. \u201cHe will be sorely missed by all.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Died – 3\/10\/18 Handler – Officer William Comerro Farewell to Beloved K-9 Officer Max People often say a dog is a man\u2019s best friend. In this case, K-9 officer Max had several best friends during his time on duty at Montclair State University before he died on March 10. Max, an 11-year-old golden retriever, had …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4809,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[15],"class_list":["post-4807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-k9memorial","tag-nj"],"yoast_head":"\n