Brick Police Say An Emotional Goodbye To A K-9 Officer

An emotional scene unfolded in the early morning hours on Monday as Brick Township police officers, both human and canine, gathered at a local animal hospital to say goodbye to one of their four legged partners.

Dakota, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, had been a search and rescue K-9 with the Brick Township Police Department. As his liver cancer advanced, his handler, Officer Jeff Fornarotto (now retired), had to make the difficult decision to euthanize Dakota.

Unfortunately, his health declined more quickly than expected, leading to the solemn late night gathering outside of Brick Town Veterinary Hospital on Chambersbridge Road.

Dr. Adam Christman and Dr. Mary Lou Brongo attended to Dakota in his final moments. On a personal note, I can tell you that I know that The whole staff at BTVH attended to Dakota with the utmost care and respect. Dr. Christman and Dr. Brongo were the main vets who took care of my dog, Sydney, for most of her adult life, including her final moments only a few weeks ago.

Our sympathy goes out to the Brick Township Police Department and Officer Fornarotto, as we thank Dakota for his years of service to the public.