Hopatcong Police Welcomes Furry Member to Force

Late June is known as graduation season for junior high schools and high schools, but another ceremony was held recently, and a Hopatcong police officer and the department’s newest furry member also received their diplomas.

After 14 weeks of training throughout the state, Hopatcong Officer Tom Snyder and K-9 Eli both graduated and are now full trained to patrol together, according to Lt. Thomas Kmetz.

Eli has been trained to sniff for six different types of narcotics, and will be used on motor vehicle stops, search warrants and school searches, Kmetz said.

Other departments in the area will have access to Eli’s abilities to detect narcotics.

“The Lake Hopatcong Elks and many citizens contributed money and supplies that got this program going,” Kmetz said. “It was through their generous donations that are still coming in that made this idea come to fruition.”

Eli and Snyder began their first patrol tour on Monday, June 24.

“I want to personally thank all who have shown support in kicking off this K-9 program after Rosco passed away,” Kmetz said.