Verizon Makes $10,000 Donation for Camden County K-9s

The Camden County Police Department will be able to enhance its K-9 unit after receiving a $10,000 check from Verizon on Tuesday.

“This generous donation to the Camden County Police Foundation will be used to provide our officers with more tools to build a dialogue with the community,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli said. “Furthermore, these dogs bring sensory resources to crime scenes and provide an extra level of protection for our officers in dangerous situations.”

Four dogs have already entered into training and should be put into service later this year, according to the Freeholder Board.

The announcement was made on National Dog Day, and gave the department the chance to highlight its own record holding dog.

K-9 Zero is a 10-year-old black Czech shepherd who joined the former Camden Police Department in August of 2007. Zero and his longtime handler Sgt. Zsakhiem James had to complete 16 weeks of a patrol academy and 10 weeks of narcotics training together.

In his time with the former city department and the Camden County Police Department, Zero has apprehended 66 criminal suspects, breaking the record of 64 held by a retired Atlantic City police dog.

Beyond sniffing out and chasing down criminals, Zero and Sgt. Done countless demonstrations together at schools, parks and assorted community events.

“Support from corporate partners is paramount for us as we work to reduce crime and make residents feel safe,” Camden County Police Department Chief Scott Thomson said. “This new initiative underscores Verizon’s compassion for Camden by providing the police department with the tools we need to be effective. As a tribute to their commitment to this police department, we will name the next K-9 Fios.”