Local car dealership donates K9 officer to sheriff's office

A local car dealership stepped up and made a huge donation to allow the Oneida County Sheriff's Office to expand its fleet of K9 officers. The donation enabled the acquisition of a 15-month-old beginner German shepherd.

The presentation of the new K9 officer took place at the Mastrovito Hyundai dealership located at 5194 Commercial Drive in Yorkville. Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol and members of his department were welcomed by Frank Mastrovito and his team to publicly introduce K9 Officer “Mastro”. Mastrovito says there was a combination of factors when it came to making the decision to make this contribution. One of those reasons is the service of his grandfather, Frank Barresi, who spent years as a member of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Mastrovito also says:

It is it is extremely important that our local businesses get involved to support our local law enforcement so that they can have all the tools, training and the technology necessary to ensure our daily safety. K9 'Mastro' will be a great addition to the team. I am I'm not sure what his specific responsibilities will be, whether It is bombs or drugs, but I am of course, whatever he is responsible for doing on a daily basis, heo great work.

Sheriff Rob Maciol is extremely grateful for the contribution of Mastrovito Hyundai. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Mastrovito in thanks for his generosity. Maciol says:

I am fair grateful for people in the community that supports the law enforcement And Frank is one of those It is always been there to support first responders and law enforcement. And were grateful at p.m.I'm for that.

Maciol also says that this addition will add to the force of 6, but one of them will retire. This week two more will be introduced. So ultimately the K9 strength will be 8. This strength is essential for the safety of all events that take place in Central New York, whether it is the Boilermaker or the Women's Federation Championship international ice hockey tournament which took place this year at the Adirondack Banking Center.

K9 'Mastro', whose name was chosen by Frank Mastrovito and his family, will be under the direction and use of K9 handler, Deputy Dorr. Thank you to Mastrovito Hyundai for your contribution to making our community a safer place.