11-05-09 K-9 Hunter Media Release

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, in order to correct inaccurate, false and misleading information in regard to the status of former Deputy Edward Josefovitz and K-9 Hunter, that is being circulating to and by at least one news agency, releases the following information:

Former Deputy Edward Josefovitz is not retiring.  He has tendered his resignation with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, effective October 15, 2009, in order to take a position as a patrolman for the Village of Harriman P.D.  Josefovitz made a four year commitment as a K-9 handler upon being selected, serving less than two years.  Former Deputy Josefovitz has a total of 2.5 years police service and will not be eligible for a service retirement for 17.5 years. 

K-9 Hunter is not ill or suffering from any malady that would impair his ability to perform his K-9 duties.  On October 16, 2009 K-9 Hunter was examined by a board certified K-9 cardiologist affiliated with the Sheriff’s Office regular veterinarian, and was given a clean bill of health with no work/exercise restrictions or medications.  K-9 Hunter is an extremely valuable asset of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and will be retrained with a new handler.  It is expected that K-9 Hunter will continue to serve for years to come. 

In January 2009, K-9 Hunter finished 2nd out of 38 entered teams in the United States Police Canine Region 7 Explosive Detector Certification Trial held in Danbury, CT.  The USPC Region 7 Trial is a rigorous test of a dog’s physical and investigative abilities.

Our K-9 animals are constantly monitored by Sgt. Dave Campbell, a nationally recognized handler and trainer, along with a board certified veterinarian.  The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has been and continues to be a strong advocate for animal rights.  The record of the office and Sheriff DuBois is very clear.  Sheriff DuBois has appeared in Animal Cruelty Public Service Announcements, spoken at local humane society events, held training for local Animal Control Officers, and upon taking office in 2003, he appointed a deputy to specialize in animal cruelty cases.  Being a lifelong dog owner, Sheriff DuBois is very sensitive to the concerns of all animals.

Since the initial media report, the Orange County Department of Law was notified and has affirmed the position of the Sheriff.

Attached is the media release sent out on January 30, 2009 regarding K-9 Hunter:
  

MEDIA RELEASE
January 30, 2009

On January 28 and 29, 2009, the United States Police Canine Region Seven conducted a K-9 Explosive Detector Certification Trial in Danbury Connecticut.

Thirty –eight canine teams from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut representing city, state and local law enforcement agencies as well as United States Military teams participated.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was on hand to administer the national odor recognition test.

Al K-9 teams participating passed this examination and qualified for the explosive detector test.
The rigorous test consisted of both indoor and outdoor searches.

The final results had the Orange County Sheriff’s Office teams of Deputy Ed Josefovitz and K-9 Hunter placing 2nd and Deputy Dustin Palen and K-9 Jake placing fourth.

It is unfortunate that at least one news agency and former Deputy Josefovitz have released inaccurate, false, and misleading information in regard to this matter, which has led to an unsigned, unsubstantiated letter to be circulated along with other forums on the internet.