MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — A dog that was less than an hour from being euthanized in a Los Angeles shelter is now a narcotics detection K9 for the Monroe Township Police Department, police said.
The dog, Stryker, and another rescue named Storm have finished training and are now on duty in the township. Storm was found roaming in Virginia. Both dogs were donated to the department through K9 Protectors, a group that rescues shelter dogs and trains them for police work.
Stryker works with Officer Richard Diaz. Storm works with Officer Jake Lloyd. The department said all other program costs are being paid with asset forfeiture funds.
Diaz has also been with the department since 2020. He is a Field Training Officer, a Honor Guard member, the Bike Unit Coordinator and a Spanish language translator.
Stryker was in a Los Angeles shelter and was less than an hour from being euthanized when K9 Protectors rescued him, police said. He was trained for law enforcement work and now serves with Diaz as the department's second narcotics detection K9 team.
Lloyd has been with the Monroe Township Police Department since 2020. He is a Field Training Officer, a Drug Recognition Expert and a member of the Honor Guard. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has recognized him several times for his DUI enforcement and drug recognition work, police said.
Storm's path to Monroe started in Virginia. Quantico police found him roaming and took him to the Prince William County Animal Shelter. He was adopted, but he was returned to the shelter two days later.
That was not the end of the story. K9 Protectors rescued Storm and saw his potential as a working dog. He has now completed narcotics detection training and works alongside Lloyd.
The department thanked K9 Protectors for donating both dogs and said the group's work helped make the Monroe Township K9 Unit possible.
"Two dogs. Two second chances. One new mission," police said in announcing the new teams.
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