Brock is the very first police dog in the Brockport Police Department. In January 2017, Brockport Police Lieutenant Mark Cuzzupoli began researching the idea of creating a K-9 Unit. The research included the type of dog that would be best, where to purchase it, the cost and training program for both the dog and handler. It also included the scope of how to obtain the funding to implement the K-9 unit.
In mid-March, with the assistance of the Rochester Police Department, most of the research was completed and the financing was secured to help make this become a reality for Brockport. The department chose a purebred German Shepherd from Shallow Creek Kennels of Pennsylvania. The dog comes from a lineage of successful police dogs. He was chosen, according to Lieutenant Cuzzupoli, as being “the shining star.”
A very generous donation by Wegmans and Milk Bone of $11,000 covered the entire cost of the dog, the canine cage in the police car, and the training program. Dr. Carolyn Orr, VMD, and the owner of the Animal Clinic of East Avenue graciously volunteered to provide all medical services and food for Brock. On social media, BPD opened the naming of the town’s police dog to the community. After receiving over 1,000 responses, he was officially named Brock.
Many officers applied for the position of K-9 handler and it was a difficult choice, according to Lt. Cuzzupoli. In the end, Officer Josh Sime was chosen. Officer Sime has five years’ experience at BPD and is a dedicated, hardworking and motivated officer, said Cuzzupoli. The lieutenant described him as the perfect fit for the position.
Training for Brock and Officer Sime began April 3 at the Public Safety Training Facility. Brock and Sime are one of four K-9 partners being trained in this class. Brock will be trained on drugs and protection. Once Brock and Sime graduate from the academy, a public introduction will occur along with tours of the police department and demonstrations by the dog. Check back for more stories from behind the scenes of Brock’s journey of becoming the Brockport Police Dog.
