A Manchester Township police officer and his K-9 partner recently took part in a high-level maritime training exercise coordinated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, testing their ability to operate in complex, real-world environments.
Ptl. Marc Miccuilla and K-9 Roc joined multi-agency teams at Liberty State Park, where the exercise began with participants boarding a vessel operated by the Jersey City Fire Department. The teams then traveled out to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sturgeon Bay for the operational portion of the drill.
Roc was hoisted onto the cutter before climbing a side ladder to board the ship, demonstrating the kind of agility and composure required for maritime deployments. Once onboard, the K-9 conducted a series of drug detection scenarios throughout the vessel.
Following the exercise, the team safely reversed the process, exiting the cutter and returning to shore without incident.
Officials said Roc performed at a high level throughout the training.
The exercise brought together K-9 teams from across Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, representing a range of local, county, state, and federal agencies. Authorities said the joint training is designed to ensure that K-9 units remain prepared to respond effectively in maritime environments and to operate seamlessly alongside partner agencies at all levels.
