05/17/2026
Congratulations to Ptl. Dominick Palino & K9 Rootz 🎉
🐕🚔 SOUTH TOMS RIVER PD INTRODUCES NEW K9 TEAM 🚔🐕
The South Toms River Police Department is celebrating the graduation of its newest K9 team from the Jersey Coast K9 Academy.
Earlier this year, the department experienced a setback after K9 Stryker, who had been donated by Bewaker K9, suffered an injury that prevented him from completing academy training. Officials thanked Christopher Laver of Bewaker K9 for his continued support and shared that Stryker is doing well.
Determined to keep the K9 program moving forward, local business The Social Leaf stepped in with a donation that allowed the department to secure another K9 in time for the academy. As part of the partnership, the business was given the honor of naming the dog “Rootz,” inspired by their new business venture, Social Rootz, located in Buena.
On Friday, May 15th, Patrolman Dominick Palino and K9 Rootz officially graduated from the academy and are now ready to begin serving the South Toms River community alongside Sgt. William Kosh Jr. and K9 Loki.
K9 Rootz, a fox red Labrador Retriever born in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 on December 17, 2024, is certified in narcotics detection and missing persons tracking. Officials say the new K9 team will play a valuable role in strengthening public safety efforts throughout the borough.
The department also thanked local officials, businesses, and residents for their continued support of the K9 program.
📸 Photo by South Toms River Police Department
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