HAZLET, NJ– Hazlet Police Department swore in it’s newest member Tuesday: K-9 Bane, a police dog.
“We are confident Ptl. Dickens and K-9 Bane will have a positive impact in our community and surrounding communities,” Deputy Chief Philip Meehan said. K-9 Bane is partnered with Ptl. Robert Dickens, a three year veteran of the force.
The department tried to add a dog to its force last year, but budgetary constraints made it impossible. K-9 Bane was donated by Dr. César DePaço and his wife Deanna Padovani-DePaço.
The DePaço’s are the founders, CEOs and presidents of the Summit K-9 Group, an organization that donates K-9s to police departments. Since their first donation in Hillsborough, the group has donated 30 K-9s to police departments across the county.
“Dr. DePaço and Deanna are passionate about dogs and true supporters of law enforcement,” Meehan said.
“Their commitment to law enforcement, and specifically K-9 programs, is evident in the partnerships they have formed with agencies in need, kennels who supply the K-9’s and helping to establish the highest quality K-9 training centers.”
For their generosity, the DePaços were recognized at Tuesday’s ceremony with a proclamation from the Township and a plaque presented by the Holmdel Police Department.