Essex County Sheriff’s Office Wins Grant for K-9 Unit from Aftermath Services

Aftermath Services, a national crime scene clean up and biohazard removal company, has announced a winner of the 2014 ‘Aftermath Cares’ Campaign. The Essex County Sheriff’s Department has been awarded a $5,000 grant to be used toward the purchase and training of a K-9 unit.

The grant is part of the company’s ongoing mission to recognize the dedication of law enforcement professionals nationwide.

“The Aftermath Cares program is designed to show our continued support and appreciation for the relentless service of law enforcement professionals who protect our communities,” said Tim Reifsteck, co-founder of Aftermath. “As municipal budget cuts continue to impact police departments across the country, we understand that first responders need help to perform their duties. This grant is one way we can assist and show our gratitude.”

Crime scene clean up company supports local law enforcement

The Essex County Sheriff’s Office will utilize their K-9 unit to help with drug arrests, bomb threats and to track criminal suspects and lost persons, as well as many other civic duties.

Previous winners of the K-9 giveaway include the Lower Allen Township Police Department in Pennsylvania. The department used the funds to acquire Rocco, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix. With the addition of Rocco, the police department saw a 100 percent increase in drug-related arrests between 2005 and 2008.

Crime scene clean up Supervisor Justin Zito to present award to Essex County Sheriff’s Department

A presentation of an honorary check for the $5,000 grant to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office will occur on January 27, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Essex County representatives including Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura and Fairfield Police Chief Charles Voelker and Aftermath Inc. representatives Justin Zito, Connecticut Supervisor for Aftermath will be at the Fairfield Police Department Headquarters for the check presentation.