Fundraiser For Fallen Hackettstown K-9 Secures Legacy

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The death of K-9 Jada, the first K-9 officer in Hackettstown, stunned her fellow officers and partner. But thanks to the generosity of the community, Officer Christopher Laver will continue what she started.

Laver created the K9 Jada Memorial Fund with the goal of raising money in honor of K-9 Jada and continue the operation of the Hackettstown Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

On Sept. 18, a month after Jada's death, Laver traveled to San Francisco, California, to meet with Marty Mahon of Trident K9 Consulting. Mahon has offered to donate a K-9 to the Hackettstown Police Department and Laver.

A few days later, Laver launched the K9 Jada Memorial Fund through GoFundMe, pledging to use the funds gathered to train and transport the new Hackettstown K-9 from California to New Jersey.

The $5,000 goal was hit in one day.

"This is a true testament to how amazing our community is. Your ongoing support is simply amazing, and we will never forget. We will have the ability to continue our program In honor of K9 Jada," Laver said on the fundraiser page. "This memorial fund will remain active, any donations that are received beyond our goal will be maintained to assist with any future expenses. Thank you again to all of our supporters."

History-Making Duo

Laver's career in law enforcement brought him to Hackettstown, where he came up with the idea to get a puppy from a working dog bloodline bred by a retired K-9 handler.

"My wife knew it was an insane idea, but she supported me from day one. She said if this what I wanted to do she will be along for the ride," Laver said. "I will not forget the day I brought the kids and my wife up to Pete's to pick out our new pup. My eyes were set on Jada from the start. We had the pick of the litter. It was final, Jada was picked named and she came home with us. She instantly became a part of our family."

From there, Laver and fellow officers presented the idea to start the first K-9 unit to Chief Jim Macaulay; and while they gained his support, there was no guarantee Laver would be the one to get the position.

And there was no guarantee that Jada would be his partner.

But fate and hard work was on their side because, after tryouts and a presentation to the Hackettstown town council, it was official. Jada and Laver were paired as Hackettstown's first K-9 team.

"We set off to train and certify at the Union County Sheriffs K9 Academy for narcotics and patrol," Laver said. "I am so grateful for my classmates and all of my instructors along with every other experienced handler that helped out during in-service training. The bond of the K9 world is nothing but the elite."

After graduation, the duo hit the streets.

"I was fortunate enough to work short but adventurous four-plus years with K9 Jada. We have so many memories together," Laver said. "We have had some successful call outs. Most of all, I truly enjoyed having you by my side. We drove each other nuts as we spent those long hours together in the car but I know we loved each other. Jada was my rock. Jada loved to work."

Laver said nothing was out of the ordinary and all was well as we both geared up and signed on duty together for the time. But after a few hours into the shift, Jada's health quickly diminished.

"I knew I had to get her help. Jada went unresponsive as I rushed her to the animal hospital. The staff at the Newton Animal Hospital did what they had to do to save her life," Laver said. "I previously stated that Jada left this earth to go serve with God. My girl is a worker, and she's definitely patrolling those gates."

K-9 Jada was the first K-9 officer for Hackettstown, but due to the work of her partner and through the support of the community, she won't be the last.

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