K9 Omac

It is with profound sadness that The Washington Township Police Department announced the passing of retired K9 Patrol and Narcotics detection dog, K9 Omac at approximately 0930 hours today. He was with his handler Officer Robert McGovern, his family and fellow handlers when he passed. K9 Omac and Officer McGovern graduated from the Atlantic County John “Sunny” Burke K9 Academy in 2014. K9 Omac and Officer McGovern were members of the 40th patrol class. During the 17-week academy they developed their skills in criminal apprehension, tracking, building searches, article searches and obedience. During this time the two started the bonding process. The connection formed between Officer McGovern and K9 Omac was indeed one of the most vital aspects of the work they did during the first 17 weeks of their career. Their work was not done after patrol class. A few months later they returned to the John “Sunny” Burke academy as members of Scent Class 30 for 12 weeks of narcotics training.

During the next ten years K9 Omac tallied countless successful K9 jobs including narcotic seizures, currency seizures and the apprehension and surrender of dangerous suspects. One of K9 Omac’s narcotic highlights was when they assisted the DEA with a motor vehicle stop. Omac indicated on the vehicle for the presence of a narcotic odor. The outcome of the investigation revealed a trap in the motor vehicle and the seizure of $30,000.00. One of K9 Omac patrol highlights occurred in January of 2022. Ofc. McGovern and K9 Omac responded to Gloucester Twp to assist their police department with a track. The track was from a stolen vehicle in which the three occupants who fled on foot were positively identified as wanted subjects in connection with a homicide that occurred the day before. During Omac’s track and efforts at the scene all three dangerous subjects were taken into custody without incident. Omac’s efforts at the scene were recognized at the 2023 Gloucester Township Police Awards Ceremony.

Omac was a fixture at all K9 demonstrations. He was a fan favorite as the “FUR MISSLE” that jumped through a car window to apprehend the bad guy during the finale of every demonstration. Omac retired on October 23, 2023. He spent his time protecting Ofc. McGovern and his fiancé Katie while indulging in much deserved relaxation. Omac’s dedication and service to the community as well as his fellow officers will not be forgotten.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY TO K145…………. ON THIS 26^TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2024 K145 WILL BE TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE. REST WELL K9 OMAC THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND A JOB WELL DONE.