Cops, Courts and Fire, Government, Neighbors, Non-profits

New Police Dog Joining Middletown Force

March 16, 2021

The Middletown Township Police Department is getting a new four-legged officer on the force.

K-9 Jax and Officer Kevin Eckenrode will begin training in the fall before hitting the streets. The trained dog will specialize in explosive detection, officials said.

Eckenrode’s current partner, K-9 Nyxx, has worked with the officer since 2011. K-9 Nyxx will be retiring the coming months as Jax completes training.

The nonprofit Middletown Community Foundation donated $10,000 raised through the community to cover the cost to purchase Jax, train him, and equip him.

Jim Merrill, CEO of Inspire Federal Credit Union and president of the Middletown Community Foundation, presented the donation before the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors Monday evening. He said the nonprofit is “extremely proud” to grant funds for the K-9.

The community foundation has funded the purchase and equipping of Officer Mary Alice Felt’s K-9 Fitz, Officer Troy Clawson’s K-9 Kratos, and Officer Steve Andrew’s K-9 Jester.

Police and township officials thanked the foundation for their assistance.

“The things that the foundation does in this community doesn’t go unnoticed by this board,” Supervisors Chairperson Tom Tosti said, pointing to programs supported by the nonprofit, their donations to Shop With A Cop, scholarship program, and other community service work.

“We are made up of a volunteer board of directors who fulfill the task and the mission of the foundation. Our goal is very simple: Improve the quality of life in Middletown Township, the community we’re proud to call home,” Merrill said.