The Jackson Police Department has reintroduced its K-9 program and celebrated the addition of two Class II special police officers.
Public Safety Director Joseph Candido, Chief Matthew Kunz, and Captains John Giovanetti, Mary Nelson, and George Vidalis introduced the department’s newest K-9 officers, “Robbie” and “Brix,” to the Jackson community.
The ceremony held special significance as it memorialized Officer Robert Ventura, whose end of watch was March 18, 2001. K-9 Robbie was named in his honor. The Ventura family was presented with a departmental plaque, and an emotional moment was shared as K-9 Robbie greeted the family.
The department also recognized the “Remembering Brian Kanterman Foundation,” which donated $20,000 toward acquiring K-9 Robbie and related supplies. The foundation honors the late Brian Kanterman, a passionate dog lover and aspiring K-9 officer who passed away in the line of duty at 25 years old.
Retired Sgt. Theodore Kucowski was also honored for his instrumental role in reestablishing the K-9 unit. Additionally, plaques were presented to Sgt. Keith DeLucca and Officer Ed Joos of the New Jersey Transit Police K-9 training program. Their expertise and dedication during the rigorous 23-week training course were vital in preparing the new K-9 officers for success.
The Jackson Police Department also announced the addition of two new Class II special police officers.
Officer Mason Kinlan, a Jackson Township native and 2023 Jackson Memorial High School graduate, joined the department following his training at the Ocean County Police Academy and experience with the Seaside Park Police Department. Law enforcement runs in his family, with his father serving as a Sergeant First Class with the Ocean Township Police Department and his mother as a Police Captain in Jackson Township.
Officer Michael Pratt, 26, hails from Staten Island and follows in the footsteps of his mother, Michelle Pratt, a retired NYPD officer and 9/11 first responder. Officer Pratt began his career as a Class I officer before serving with the Seaside Heights Police Department as a Class II officer.
