Finally, a dog-and-pony-show that delivered.
Well, the dog part at least.
While the politicians and dignitaries outnumbered them, a roomful of Camden County’s finest members – K-9s and their handlers – managed to steal the show Friday at the county police headquarters.
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The occasion was the introduction of the force’s newest member-in-training, Recon, and his partner, Officer Wilberto Ramos, a former detective anxious to return to patrolling Camden's streets.
Once deployed in June, Recon will return the K-9 unit back to its seven-dog capacity when he finishes 16 weeks of training.
The 15-month-old shepherd will fill the void left when Zero, the most honored K-9 in the state, died unexpectedly in December from gastric torsion at the age of 12.
Related story: K-9 Zero dies unexpectedly
Like spirit guides, the ashes of Zero and his still-emotional handler, Lt. Zsakhiem James, were a part of the presentation.
Recon didn’t come cheap, but the $10,000 cost of the dog and his education was paid for by Verizon.
The company’s Gina LaPlaca was on hand, presenting a symbolic check to the department. Recon will join a dog named FiOS, a previous K-9 gift from Verizon to the city.
Recon has “large paws to fill,” quipped County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr.
James, who wears a vial of his dog’s ashes around his neck, was emotional, saying Zero was “the greatest joy in my career.”
Saying he misses the dog and the K-9 unit he loved every day, James noted he takes solace in the thought that Zero will “always be with me” like a “guardian angel” with “two wings and four legs.”
The officer brought an urn containing his former K-9 partner's remains to the ceremony, as well as picture of them on duty together.
Now a district commander in the city, James keeps his hand in the K-9 operation by training dog such as Recon,
Chief Scott Thomson praised Zero and the K-9 unit, and then welcomed Recon.
“When the public has a problem, they call 9-1-1. When police have a problem, they call K-9,” said Thomson.
He also praised the partnership with Verizon and said the dogs serve as ambassadors to the public, especially children, when not apprehending bad guys.
So far Recon is doing well for a still-young dog, Ramos said, though he has one trait which will require a little obedience work.
“He’ll do anything for a ball,” said Ramos, patting his partner on the head.