In September 2020, the Secaucus Police Department established the first Canine Unit in its history, with a very generous financial donation from the Steven Strobert Foundation.  The nine month old German Shepherd, named “Strobe,” in memory of Steven Strobert, was purchased from Connecticut Canine Services.

Canine Handler, Police Officer Vince DeFazio and Strobe have undergone twenty-nine weeks of vigorous training at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Canine Academy, which culminated on May 10, 2021. This Secaucus Police Canine Patrol Team have been trained in agility, obedience, article/evidence searches, scent work, tracking, criminal apprehension and handler protection. Strobe has also been trained to detect various controlled dangerous substances, with the exception of marijuana.

The Canine Unit is assigned to the Operations Section and will assist the Secaucus Police Department in furthering proactive policing. Strobe will also be utilized for community demonstrations, in hopes of enhancing our community policing efforts.