Medford Police K9 retires after 7 years of service

Medford Township Police K9, "Porter", officially retired from duty on Thursday, November 2.

"Porter" is a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix. He joined the Police Department in 2010 and has been serving with his handler, Officer Edwin McKemey for the past 7 years.

"Porter" graduated from the NJ State Police Academy in 2010 and was certified as a dual purpose dog to include both patrol and narcotics detection. During his tenure with Officer McKemey, "Porter" performed duties to include searching for criminal suspects, missing persons, narcotics, and other criminal evidence. He also performed numerous demonstrations for community organizations throughout Medford Township.

"Porter" and Officer McKemey received several commendations during his career including the apprehension of three burglary suspects and recovery of the stolen property and assisting in the investigation of an armed robbery eventually leading to the arrest of three suspects.

"Porter" will spend his well-deserved retirement relaxing at home with Officer McKemey and his family. As his tenure with "Porter" comes to an end, a new one begins. Officer McKemey has been assigned a new K9 partner, "Hugo", a 17-month-old German shepherd.

Officer McKemey and Hugo began the New Jersey State Police K9 Academy on October 10. "Hugo" will also be a dual purpose K9 certified in both patrol and narcotics detection. "Hugo" was purchased with funds generously donated by members of the Medford Township Community.