Oneida Sheriff's Office names new K9 after Syracuse officer's shooting

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

1 3 minutes read

For three days, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office introduced the community to its new K9 units: Mastro, Indi and Jensen – Jensen taking his name to honor the life of the murdered Syracuse police officer and Rome resident , Michael Jensen.

This major expansion of the Sheriff's K9 program is thanks to community partners, whose contributions went directly toward the purchase of the dogs.

“When we look at expanding our K9 program, obviously there are significant expenses when it comes to purchasing police K9s and maintaining a K9 program,” said Oneida County Sheriff Maciol. “The Sheriff’s Office has a long history with its K9 program, and it’s going to get even better.

Jensen

On Thursday, June 6, Jensen was introduced to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office family outside the sheriff's office in Oriskany.

“With [Jensen]”We now have eight dogs working as part of the Sheriff's Office K9 program, doing everything from drug and bomb detection to emotional support and tracking,” Maciol said in an introductory online stream.

Maciol said Jensen, a 1½-year-old Dutch shepherd, was purchased with drug bust money and will be cared for by Lt. John Cusack.

Cusack has been with the office for 19 years and has served as a certified field agent trainer, evidence technician, fire and arson investigator and TASR instructor. He has been in the K9 program since 2015 and Jensen will be his second dog.

Her first dog, Natalie, will retire soon.

When Jensen is certified, he will be a bomb detection K9. Maciol said when people attend an event in Oneida County, Jensen will be the K9 who goes there to make sure the public is safe.

“This office has continually progressed in many ways, and we are always happy to support it,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr.. “These law enforcement K9s are doing such a good job [roles] who are so helpful, helping these men and women continue to provide their top-notch service.

Michael Jensen's parents, Paul and Michelle Jensen, were there to speak and revealed the name to the crowd.

“Paul and I are honored to welcome the third new K9 to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office,” said Michelle Jensen. “We are happy and satisfied after spending time with the puppy. He is happy and intelligent…”

Michelle's voice cracked and she paused, composing herself before smiling.

“He’s fiery. He's beautiful, she said, crying slightly. “Just like Michael.”

Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile was also present at Thursday's presentation.

“This is a way for us to always remember Officer Jensen’s life and the career he dedicated so much to. Thanks to the sheriff for doing this today,” Cécile said.

Indian

On Wednesday, June 5, the Sheriff's Office introduced the public to “Indi,” the second of its new K9s, made possible by Indium Corporation in Clinton.

The donation from Indium Corporation purchased a one-year-old Belgian Malinois from Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania.

Greg Evans, CEO, along with Ross Berntson, President and COO, and Dawn Roller, Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Indium Corporation, greeted “Indi” as he was led into the building by his manager , Deputy Daniel Walts.

Walts has been a member of the Sheriff's Office since 2017 and was assigned to Highway Patrol until his recent reassignment to the K9 unit.

“Indium Corporation's existence is deeply tied to the Mohawk Valley region, employing people in our region for 90 years. We are committed to supporting the communities that are integral to our long-standing success,” Evans said in a statement. “Our collaboration with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office to sponsor Indi, a K-9, serves part of our local mission by strengthening our support for first responders and keeping our communities safe, we foster vibrant communities . area in which were founded.

Master

On Tuesday, June 4, the Sheriff's Office presented “Mastro” to the public.

The first of three K9s publicly introduced last week, Mastro was made possible by the Mastrovito family of Mastrovito Hyundai in New York Mills.

Maciol said Frank Mastrovito and his family were among the first to “…take over and become a contributing member of the Sheriff's Office K9 program.”

Jensen

Lina Portman

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