Meet Blaise, Oneida County’s new K9 named for fallen Holland Patent soldier
WHITESBORO — A new police K9 named for a fallen Marine from Holland Patent was introduced Sunday, Sept. 27, during a dinner honoring Gold Star families at Hart’s Hill Inn.
Following the national anthem and a presentation of the colors, Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol introduced Blaise, named in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski. Oleski died April 8, 2009, at age 22 while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan.
Blaise is a 20-month-old black Belgian Malinois trained to detect explosives. Maciol said the dog will search venues before large public gatherings, including the Boilermaker and the Heart Run. The Sheriff’s Office acquired Blaise through a New York State Homeland Security grant.
“They play a very, very important role in security for our community … Blaise probably thinks he’s working right now,” Maciol said. “He will be the one making sure that — whether it’s an auditorium, a stadium, a large public venue — he’s going to be the one making sure that that is safe to enter before some big events occur in our community.”
Blaise’s handler, Sgt. Mike Baker of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, is also from Holland Patent. Members of the Oleski family attended the introduction.
“We are just grateful that he will carry on the name of your son,” Maciol told them.
The Gold Star Families Day dinner was presented by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944.