NJ State Police Mourning K-9 Named For Howell Trooper Castellano

TRENTON, NJ — A New Jersey State Police K-9 who was named for Trooper Marc Castellano of Howell Township has died, the department announced Thursday.

K-9 Casto, who was partnered with Sgt. Michael Leip, died Wednesday night after a mass ruptured in the dog's stomach, state police said.

Leip, who received Casto in 2010, named the dog to honor Castellano, who was killed in the line of duty in June 2010.

"Since 2010, Casto was a patrol/narcotics K-9 responsible for narcotics sniffs resulting in millions of dollars in narcotics and cash seizures," state police said. "He also worked with the NJSP and local agencies tracking numerous suspects and civilians."

Casto assisted in hundreds of fugitive investigations as well as assisted members with executing search warrants. Leip and Casto also helped de-escalated many high-risk encounters, resulting in peaceful surrenders by suspects.

"Casto was a tremendous asset to the division and to the citizens of New Jersey. He served with honor and bravery. But most importantly, he was a loyal partner and loving friend to Sgt. Leip. He will be sorely missed," ," state police wrote on the department's Facebook page. "We know he made Trooper Marc Castellano proud. Now they are together."

Castellano was part of a large group of law enforcement conducting a search in the area following a chase on the Garden State Parkway on June 6, 2010, when he was hit by a vehicle while he was on the shoulder of Route 195. He died later of his injuries.

His mother, Donna Setaro, has spent the years since his death giving presentations on New Jersey's Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when they approach an area where law enforcement or emergency personnel are operating.

More than 100,000 people have heard her presentation, many of them young drivers. Read more: Trooper's Mom Reaches Move Over Milestone At Howell Presentation

"If I get through to just one person and save one life, then this campaign was worth it," Setaro has said.

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