K-9 Unit:
Our newest Cornell Police K9 team is Reggie and his handler, Officer Kevin Noterfonzo. Reggie is a two-year old black lab, rescued from a kill shelter in Kentucky by Rudy's Rescue. Officer Noterfonzo adopted him for the purpose of training in Explosive Detection from Rudy's Rescue in June of 2007. Reggie and Officer Noterfonzo graduated Southern Tier Police Canine Association Training center on September 12, 2007. As a team, they successfully completed 120 hours of scent detection school. Learning how each other communicated was part of this training. When Reggie sits with his ears at attention he has found a possible explosive device. Officer Noterfonzo then must determine where the device is located. Since Reggie and Officer Noterfonzo work together as a team, one could not do the job without the other.
Reggie is certified to detect the scent of explosives, and as of March 2008, also a certified tracker. The team attends monthly update training to keep Reggie at his peak. Although Cornell University does not have a history involving explosives, Reggie is a great deterrent to this unwanted activity. The team's primary function is checking vehicles, buildings, airplanes and the like during dignitary visits. The team is also utilized during large gatherings such as sporting events, lectures, demonstrations, and other high profile events to help insure a safe atmosphere for all. Reggie also has the ability to search packages, luggage and lockers.
Reggie is a great asset to the Cornell Police due in part to a canine's ability to detect scent 800 times better than a human. Reggie is very friendly and loves to be petted. Reggie and Officer Noterfonzo love to meet new people and see old friends, so when you see them on campus please stop them and say, "Hello!" Remember, always ask a K-9 handler/owner if it is okay to pet the dog before doing so. There are times when the K-9 and handler are looking for explosive devices and must stay focused on their work.
The Cornell Police would like to thank the Companion Animal Hospital at Cornell's Veterinary College which has assisted with the K-9 program by providing medical care, physicals, vaccinations, and medication for Reggie and Sabre. The Small Animal Clinic also contacted Hill's Science Diet dog food company, who has graciously donated all of Reggie's food. The Companion Animal Hospital's contributions to this program are greatly appreciated, and are a significant factor in our being able to keep this program running.
Sabre and Sergeant Montesano
Two-legged officers often enjoy great longevity in their careers. The canine officer’s tour of duty, while much shorter, is no less honorable. Work takes its toll more quickly on the canine half of the team, and it is a bittersweet occasion when we must separate the team in order to give the dog his well-deserved retirement.
Jeff Montesano came to Cornell Police in January of 1999. A resident of Freeville, he is a ’97 graduate of the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy. He began the Canine Explosive Detection Team with Sabre in July of 2001 and was promoted to Sergeant in September of 2002.
Since July of 2001, Sabre and Jeff have participated in countless dignitary protection details, assisted other agencies in call-outs for explosive detection, and responded to numerous suspicious package complaints.
Sabre’s skills earned him a special place among county law enforcement. He was often asked to assist in training other dogs, and could always be counted on to accurately demonstrate his skills in the toughest playing fields.
While we will miss Sabre’s presence in our offices, we know he will retire happy and healthy in the care of his handler, Sergeant Montesano. We will also continue to reap the benefits of Lt. Montesano’s skills through his participation in training new canines and handlers.
It is with great pride, and some sadness, that Cornell Police decommissioned Sabre in April of 2008 and allowed him to move gracefully into a more relaxed status.