K-9 Officer 'Todd' Gives John Jay Middle Animal Care Club A Treat

CROSS RIVER, NY — Todd spends most of his time keeping air travelers safe, but he was able to take a little time recently to share his special skillsets with a group of middle school students who have a particular interest in the ways people and animals work can work together.

From the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.

Canine Officer Todd, an explosives detection dog with the Westchester County Police Department, and his partner Police Officer George Varbero, visited John Jay Middle School’s Animal Care Club on November 29.

The visit was arranged by club advisor and math teacher Jane Williams, with assistance from the district’s School Resource Officer Brett Schlosser.

Officer Varbero explained that Todd is able to recognize 22 different types of explosives! The six-year-old black Lab conducts explosives sweeps at Westchester County Airport. He’s also loaned out to federal law enforcement agencies.

Through an informal Q&A session, the students learned that Todd came from Puppies Behind Bars and joined the county police department as a ten-month-old. While he didn’t have the singular focus that service dogs require to do their job, his gift for investigating his environment is just what an explosives detection dog needs.

The students were surprised to hear that Officer Varbero hides a little piece of explosive material each evening around his home. When Todd finds it, he’s rewarded with dinner. "He’s a food-reward dog," said Officer Varbero, referring to the training style that works best with Labs.

The team demonstrated their work for the club members. While Todd’s back was turned, two students each hid a bag that Officer Varbero gave them. One had a bit of explosive material in it. On command, Todd sniffed the students, nosed around a few of their backpacks, then went straight to the bag with the substance in it. He paused for a moment, then galloped to Officer Varbero for his reward.

Then came the moment the students were waiting for.

"Sit," said Officer Varbero.

The students gathered around Todd, delighted to pet his sleek black fur.