Meet Oneida County's new K9s: Mastro, Indi, and Jensen, named after slain Syracuse officer
Over the course of three days, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office introduced the community to its new K9 units: Mastro, Indi, and Jensen — with Jensen taking his name to honor the life of slain Syracuse Police officer and Rome resident Michael Jensen.
This major expansion of the sheriff's K9 program was thanks to community partners, whose contributions went directly to purchasing the dogs.
“When we were looking into expanding our K9 program, there’s obviously significant expense when it comes to purchasing police K9s and maintaining a K9 program,” Oneida County Sheriff Maciol said. “The Sheriff’s Office has a long history with its K9 program, and it’s going to become even better.
Jensen
On Thursday, June 6, Jensen was introduced to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office family outside the sheriff's office in Oriskany.
“With [Jensen], we now have eight dogs working at the sheriff’s office K9 program, doing everything from drug and bomb detection to emotional support and tracking,” Maciol said in an online stream of the introduction.
Maciol said Jensen, a one-and-a-half-year-old Dutch Shepherd, was purchased thanks to drug forfeiture money and will be handled by Lt. John Cusack.
Cusack has served the office for 19 years and has been a certified field officer trainer, an evidence technician, a fire and arson investigator, and TASR instructor. He’s been part of the K9 program since 2015, and Jensen will be his second dog.
His first dog, Natalie, is entering retirement soon.
When Jensen is certified, he will be a bomb detection K9. Maciol said when people attend an event in Oneida County, Jensen will be the K9 going in to make sure it’s safe to the public.
“This office has continually advanced in so many ways, and we’re always happy to support it,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said. “These K9s in law enforcement do such a good job in [roles] that are so useful, helping these men and women continue to provide their top-notch service.”
The parents of Michael Jensen, Paul and Michelle Jensen, were there to speak and unveiled the name to the crowd.
“Paul and I are honored to welcome the third new K9 to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office,” Michelle Jensen said. “We’re happy and pleased after spending time with the pup. He’s happy and smart …”
Michelle’s voice cracked and she paused, collecting herself before smiling.
“He’s feisty. He’s handsome,” she said, tearing up slightly. “Just like Michael.”
Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile also attended Thursday's introduction.
“This is one way that we will always remember the life of Officer Jensen and the career that he was so dedicated to. Thank you to the sheriff for doing this today," Cecile said.
Indi
On Wednesday, June 5, the Sheriff’s Office introduced ‘Indi’ to the public, the second of their new K9s, made possible by Indium Corporation in Clinton.
Indium Corporation’s donation made it possible to purchase a one-year-old Belgian Malinois from Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania.
Greg Evans, CEO, along with Ross Berntson, president and COO, and Dawn Roller, the associate vice president of human resources, at Indium Corporation, welcomed “Indi” as he was led in the building by his handler – Deputy Daniel Walts.
Walts has been a member of the sheriff’s office since 2017 and has been assigned to the road patrol until his recent reassignment to the K9 Unit.
"Indium Corporation’s existence is deeply intertwined with the Mohawk Valley region, employing folks in our area for the last 90 years. We are committed to support the communities that have been integral to our longstanding success,” said Evans in a statement. “Our collaboration with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office to sponsor Indi, a K-9, serves part of our local mission. By strengthening our support of first responders and ensuring the safety of our communities, we foster vibrant communities. We are very pleased to contribute to the area in which were founded.”
Mastro
On Tuesday, June 4, the Sheriff’s Office introduced ‘Mastro’ to the public.
The first of three K9s publicly introduced this past week, Mastro was made possible by the Mastrovito family of Mastrovito Hyundai in New York Mills.
Maciol said Frank Mastrovito and his family were among the first ones to “...step up to the plate and become a contributing member to the Sheriff’s Office K9 program.”
The Mastrovito family donated $9,000 to purchase a 15-month-old German Shepherd from a kennel in Pennsylvania that specializes in police K9 units.
“I wanted to thank all our first responders for everything you do every day,” Mastrovito said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to support the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you for keeping our communities safe, keeping our families safe day in and day out, and putting yourselves on the line every day.”
Mastro's new handler, Deputy Christopher Dorr, will join him in the K9 program. Dorr officially joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2020. He worked previously on the road patrol and has earned Rookie of the Year and Deputy of the Year awards.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida Sheriff's Office names new K9 after slain Syracuse officer
