Paterson K9 Unit Visits Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 2-year-old Belgian Malinois wearing a Paterson K9 Unit vest tore across the field at Westwood Regional High School on Wednesday.

A Paterson police officer and one of the dogs in the K9 unit put on a show for the Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

A Paterson police dog cools off.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

A Paterson police dog practices an apprehension drill on an officer.
Photo Credit: *Special To Daily Voice*

The Paramus Police Department's motorcycle unit did an obstacle course demonstration for the PVJPA.
Photo Credit: *Facebook*

Cecilia Levine

06/29/2016 3:38 p.m.

Waiting for his bite on the other side was a Paterson police officer -- well-protected in a padded suit.

The show kept 120 children rapt at the Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy, launched 16 years ago by Washington Township Lt. Richard Skinner.

"It's just a great way for police officers to interact with the kids," Skinner said. "Most of us are either current or former D.A.R.E. officers or are involved in schools already, so it's kind of a natural fit."

The week-long program is a collaboration among the Washington Township, Hillsdale and Westwood police departments for children 10 to 14.

The main goals are to help them build friendships with other youngsters in surrounding towns and educate them on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Each morning begins with a physical training session -- this year from Sample Fitness -- and the rest of the day is filled with various demonstrations.

The Paramus Motorcycle Unit, Bergen County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad and a DEA agent all volunteered.

Recruits were to visit the U.S. Marshall's Trading Center on Thursday and see a landing by AirMed One from Hackensack University Medical Center on Friday.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Pascack Valley and receive free news updates.