The Voorhees Police Department has always been a leader in the law enforcement community when it comes to a Police Canine Unit. The Voorhees Police Canine Unit has been active since the mid-1960′s and started under Chief Walter White with two patrol dog teams. The first two dog handlers were Earl Odd Sr. (retired Chief of Police) and Bob Hanacek Sr. (retired Deputy Chief of Police). A short time later, Jack Prettyman (retired Deputy Chief of Police) was assigned to the canine unit when an opening became available. A training Facility was constructed behind Police Headquarters where the officers and their partners honed their skills for patrol work. Voorhees Police even hosted the first East Coast Police Dog Trial for the United States Police Canine Association.
Our K9 Unit plays a vital role in keeping our community safe. Under the direction of Chief April Herrington, our K9 teams have served as an essential resource in the detection and seizure of illegal narcotics, conducting critical item searches, and assisting in the tracking of fleeing suspects as well as missing or vulnerable individuals. Beyond their operational duties, our highly trained K9 teams proudly engage in community service by participating in demonstrations, school visits, and public events that strengthen relationships and build trust. Their expertise is frequently called upon by jurisdictions across the State of New Jersey, where they provide specialized support whenever and wherever it’s needed, reinforcing our commitment to safety, partnership, and service statewide.
