2 New Dogs Join Morris County Sheriff's K-9 Unit

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Morris County has some new four-legged officers.

The Morris County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff James M. Gannon introduced the two newest members of the K-9 Unit this week.

Leo, an 11-month-old German Shepherd and Malinois mix, and Abbi, a 22-month-old Belgian Malinois, are the two new crime-fighting puppies. They will both be trained in K9 patrol and narcotics detection.

"Anytime we have new additions starting their career here at the Sheriff’s Office, it is exciting. These two K9 partners are exceptionally special, not just because they wear fur coats, but because we bring them into dedicated service in honor of two great Morris County law enforcement officers," Gannon said.

Leo was named after Leon Bradford, the first chief of the former Morris County Park Police Department.

Chief Bradford served in the United States Navy during WWII before retiring as Chief of the Morris County Park Police, according to the Sheriff's Office. He was a member of the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Chief Bradford died on July 12, 2014.

Abbi is named after Timothy P. Abline, a former Morris County Park Police detective. Abline, who died in 2011, was a 26-year law enforcement officer in Morris County who founded the major annual holiday toy drive known as "Saddle Up for Toys."

This annual toy collection began in 2002, is held during the holiday season each year, and has become a significant annual donation program in Morris County.

"K9 Abbi and K9 Leo will continue to remind us of the professional connections we all have shared, and still do share, in service to the people of Morris County. I look forward to proudly proclaiming their future successes to you," Gannon said.