Cambria County Prison prepares to certify new K-9 officer
Trending
EBENSBURG -- The Cambria County Prison recently received a new K-9 officer, who will be officially certified next Tuesday at the Cambria County Courthouse.
K-9 Storm is a Dutch Shepherd who will serve as a narcotics detection officer at the prison, serving alongside her handler, Deputy Warden Carmelo Furnari. The team has completed the required training and will assist prison staff in detecting illegal drugs and contraband, while maintaining the facility's safety and security, a press release states.
K-9 Storm was acquired through a partnership between the prison, the Cambria County District Attorney's office and K-9 Titan's Watch Foundation of Johnstown, which is named in memory of Officer Titan, a beloved K-9 and revered member of the Johnstown Police Department who died in the line of duty.
"Storm is a great example of what can happen when our community comes together behind those who protect it," said Brett Reaman, the foundation's president. "This is not just about adding another K-9. It is about investing in public safety and giving our officers the tools they need to do their jobs."
Cambria County District Attorney Jessica Aurandt said K-9 Storm will provide an additional resource for the county. Adding a K-9 to the prison is an important investment in safety and security for the correctional institution, she said.
"K-9 Storm provides an invaluable resource for detecting and deterring illegal drugs and contraband from entering our jail," Aurandt said.
Cambria County Prison Warden Kurt Wolford also highlighted the importance of adding K-9 Storm to the team.
"The addition of our narcotics detection K-9 represents another significant investment in the safety and security of the Cambria County Prison," Wolford said. "Keeping illegal drugs and contraband out of our facility protects our correctional officers, the individuals in custody and ultimately the community we serve."
A recognition ceremony will be held Tuesday morning at the Cambria County Courthouse to officially introduce K-9 Storm and recognize the individuals and organizations that made the partnership possible.
Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.