Mt. Laurel Police Dept. K-9s Cooper and Barkley Graduate from NJ State Police Canine Academy

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — The Mount Laurel Police Department’s two newest K-9s have successfully completed the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy, the Department announced this week.

K-9 Cooper and his handler, Sgt. Gardner, and K-9 Barkley, along with his handler, Officer Travis, graduated from Academy Patrol Class #26 on December 30, following 17 weeks of intensive patrol training conducted throughout New Jersey.

K-9s Cooper and Barkley — named after two beloved Philadelphia Eagles — were announced as new additions to the MLPD in June. After graduating from Scent School that same month, the two dogs returned to the Canine Academy in September to begin patrol school, an advanced training program that included tracking, article searches and criminal apprehension.

Both K-9s are now certified dual-purpose patrol canines.

“The Department extends its sincere appreciation to the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy for its continued support and dedication in preparing these exceptional K-9s for law enforcement service,” said the MLPD. “The addition of K-9 Cooper and K-9 Barkley strengthens the department’s ongoing commitment to public safety and community protection.”

The MLPD’s K-9 Program is entirely funded by donations from community members, local businesses and dog people everywhere. MLPD’s K-9 teams “enhance the police department’s ability to find missing people, apprehend criminals and root out unlawful narcotic activity. The K-9 teams contribute daily to the increased safety of everyone who lives or works in Mount Laurel Township as well as to the safety of our officers.”