Page 10 - FE Blue Spring 2019

Troop F

>>> transportation partner, Amtrak Police, allowing
the K9 teams to train on the rail system and provide
another layer of security to the traveling public.
The Troop F K9 unit, led by Sergeant Neil Calnan, is
comprised of multiple Transportation Security Admin-
istration certified bomb K9 teams. The team respond-
ed to approximately 6,350 calls for service in 2018,
above and beyond 2,700 public visibility enhanced K9 Maura sniffs mail for hazardous substances or
patrols. contraband under the watch of Sgt. Neil Calnan.
Each Troop F K9 handler attends the TSA’s Nation-
al Detection Canine Team Program Handler Course EOD Units deploy to support the State Police state-
located at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The wide Bomb Squad with resources for special events,
course takes including the Boston Marathon, July 4th Celebration,
10 weeks to Gillette Stadium games and concerts, Sail Boston,
complete; re- and other venues as needed.
quired annual Both units also conduct public demonstrations when
certifications requested and have provided assets for airline events
are conducted and children safety fairs. Which comes as no surprise,
by the federal given the popularity of these beautiful and intelligent
government. dogs and skills of their MSP handlers.
The team con-
ducts weekly
maintenance
to maintain its
proficiency,
and conducts Robots are
additional a valuable
quarterly train- tool used
ing with the by MSP
FBI. bomb
Beyond their techs
work at the to put
Port prop- “eyes” on
erties, both potentially
Trooper Brenda Watts with K9 the Troop hazardous
Ruby doing a sniff on a vehicle. F K9 and items.
Trooper’s son signs with NFL’s Bengals

You may forgive Trooper Nathan Thomas of the Executive Protection Unit if
you see him sporting a Cincinnati Bengals cap around the State House these
days. That’s because Trooper Thomas’ son, Johnathan Thomas, who recently
completed his career as a running back and special teamer at Penn State, has
signed a rookie free agent contract with the Bengals. The signing followed an
exceptional showing by Johnathan in front of
NFL scouts at Penn State’s Pro Day. Among his
college highlights, Johnathan rushed for 84 yards
and a touchdown against Kent State last year,
and ran back a kick for a touchdown against
Indiana. He will report to the Bengal’s Rookie
Mini-Camp this month. Congratulations to Johnny Johnny Thomas and his
and his proud Dad! agent Sean Stellato.

10 French and Electric Blue