Howell K9 Officers Vito, Opus Complete Patrol Training

HOWELL, NJ — Two Howell Township Police Department K9 officers and their dogs have recently completed their patrol certification, Police Chief Andrew Kudrick announced.

Last week, K9 Officer Nicholas Bondarew and his partner Vito graduated from the Atlantic County Canine Academy after completing 22 weeks of training, Kudrick said. Vito is now certified in both patrol and narcotics detection.

"Also, I am proud to announce Officer Bondarew received his instructor certification, making him the first Howell Police officer to hold this title," the chief said.

Bondarew and Vito join Patrolman Jesse Moore and his K9 partner Opus, who earned their patrol certification in January after 16 weeks of training with Long Branch Police Sgt. Bobby Shamrock, Kudrick said.

Bondarew's K9 partner Jago will soon be retired, Kudrick said. Jago has been in service as a K9 officer since January 2009, and a posterboard of photos of Jago notes he is scheduled to retire in March.

Vito was trained in tracking, searching, handler protection, ability, obedience, and detection of various drugs, the chief said.

"The training was tough and the days were long but in the end it's worth the sweat, blood, dirt, fur and drool as Howell Police has added another valuable, highly qualified canine officer," he said.

Moore and Opus spent 16 weeks training in obedience, tracking, building searches, agility, articles, building/area searches and criminal apprehension and handler protection.

"This is a tough, extensive training and certification obtained by very few officers," Kudrick said. Moore and Opus are in the midst of 12 weeks of scent training to become certified in narcotics detection, he said.

"As a former K9 handler, I realize the inherent dedication and commitment and responsibility required to be a handler," Kudrick said as he praised Moore on the January graduation. "I wish you a very safe tour. It will be the most rewarding years of your career."

The chief shared photos of both and video from the graduation of Bondarew and Vito:

Photos, videos via Howell Township Police Department Facebook page