May 27, 2016
For Immediate Release
For More Information
Contact: Kim Wood
Freeholders Establish K-9 Memorial Fund to Advance Public Safety Program
An effort to establish a fund to maintain and increase Cumberland County’s K-9 program is being spearheaded by Cumberland County Freeholder Deputy Director Darlene Barber and Freeholder Carol Musso. The fund, which is intended to memorialize Boomer, a popular 9 year-old member of the K-9 Unit, is being administered by a Committee including Sheriff Robert Austino and Officer Craig Johnson. According to Deputy Director Barber, the effort is being organized in memory of K-9 Officer Boomer who recently died of cancer.
“We felt that Boomer had made such a positive impression on so many people in our community, particularly our youth”, Barber said. “Freeholder Musso and I wanted to do something meaningful that would carry on Boomer’s legacy.”
Freeholder Musso said, “Some of Boomer’s more high profile assignments include the security task force at the Met Life Stadium for the Super Bowl XLVIII, the Ladies Professional Golf Association security detail as well as the Miss American Pageants.”
Boomer, a Black Labrador from North Carolina, arrived in Cumberland County as a pup, According to Sheriff Robert Austino. “Boomer was an amazing asset to our department. He could sniff out explosives as well as charm youngsters during community events and many school visits throughout the County”, he explains. Boomer’s partner and best friend Officer Craig Johnson said, “Everybody loved Boomer. Nothing in my life has impacted me more than the loss of Boomer”.
“The K-9 Program is an excellent is an excellent resource for our County, but it is not without its costs,” Austino added. “The idea of setting up a scholarship fund in Boomer’s name will tremendously assist the Sheriff’s Department in continuing the program for many years to come.
In leading the effort, Deputy Director Barber, Freeholder Musso and Sheriff Robert Austino are also joined by Ken Pustizzi, President of SNJ Today. The local media company is assisting in promoting this effort to expand the County’s public safety programs. Stay tuned to learn more about how you can contribute to the Boomer K-9 Memorial Fund.
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