Hunterdon County has new K-9 officer
HUNTERDON COUNTY – The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has a new K-9 officer, a 20-month-old German shepherd from Czechoslovakia named for a detective who died two years ago.
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III said a small ceremony was held Wednesday to introduce the dog donated by Dr. Ceasar DePaço and his wife, Deanna Padovani-DePaço, of Summit Nutritionals International Inc. The DePaços have traveled across the United States donating dogs to police K-9 units.
“It is a rich tradition in law enforcement to name new K-9 officers after deceased police officers. I am proud to announce the name of our newest K-9 Officer will be McGinley, “Mac” for short,” said Kearns, adding that the K-9 is named for Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Matthew McGinley, who died in January 2016. He was 49.
“This is a small gesture to commemorate the service of Detective Matthew McGinley to the residents of Hunterdon County and the state of New Jersey,” Kearns said.
“Matt faithfully served the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office for eight years. Prior to that, he served as a patrolman with the Holland Township Police Department from 2003 to 2008 and as a Class II Special with the Clinton Township Police Department. He also served the community as a life member of the Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Matt’s entire adult life was spent serving the people of Hunterdon. We were very happy to be joined today by Detective McGinley’s 5-year-old son, Ian McGinley, as we honor his father.”
K-9 Officer Mac and Handler Detective Edward Pawlick are attending the State Police Scent Detection Class and will specialize in the detection of explosive materials. After completing scent detection training, Mac and Pawlick will attend the State Police Patrol Class, which includes training in tracking and criminal apprehension.
Mac is the K-9 Unit’s second K-9 officer. Their first, Finn, has been serving in the unit since June 2015.
Kearns thanked Dr. DePaço and Deanna Padovani-DePaço for their generosity and continued support of law enforcement.
He said the addition of K-9 Officer Mac will offer greater service to Hunterdon County citizens.
