Civil Air Patrol Cadets Get Friendly Visit From K-9 Dogs

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

Cadets, family and friends of the Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol recently learned about bomb- and drug-sniffing K9s and the work of their handlers. Officers Raphael Morales and Kevin Mastroserio of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department taught the cadets about their work and training as K9 officers. The cadets were fascinated by the process and the round the clock responsibilities of the officers. The German Shepherd K9s, Celeste, Bryn and Cadence, drew applause by rapidly sniffing out explosive scents and drug scents that had been hidden in the presentation room.

Officer Morales, also an Air National Guardsman, encouraged the cadets to study hard and stay focused on their training. Ages 12 to 18, the cadets benefit from exposure at their squadron meetings to different careers in science, military and law enforcement. “I am going to be a K9 officer!” a cadet was overheard saying as he thanked the officers.

The Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the American Red Cross in Fairfield, NJ. Prospective cadets, ages 12 to 18, and their parents are always welcome. For more information, email alisa.vural@njwg.cap.gov or visit http://curtiss-wright.njwg.cap...

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Photo: Ilayda Vural