Police K9s Check for Drugs at Brick Township High School

Police K9s at Brick Township High School. (Photo: OCPO)

As part of the ongoing battle against opiate addiction in Ocean County, drug-sniffing dogs from numerous law enforcement agencies searched Brick Township High School on Thursday.

The random searches of school property are organized by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

The sweep is typically completed in just over an hour, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor’s office. Lockers and locker rooms are swept.

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“As pointed out in the past we do not discuss our finds with media or public,” said Della Fave. “When something is found we advise the school officials and parents so that they will be aware of an issue and can take immediate corrective action. We don’t want this to become a ‘what is the worse High School’ thing.”

Interim Superintendent Thomas Gialanella, however, said at a Board of Education meeting Thursday night that no drugs were found during the search and he was proud to report the result.

“It went very smoothly, and didn’t disturb education,” Gialanella added.

The searches are conducted “to assure a Drug Free School Zone and a safe learning environment for [Ocean County] students,” said Della Fave.

The K9 Drug Detectors and handlers participating in the continuing operation were:

• Brick Township PD Ptl. Keith Prendeville – K9 Max
• Brick Township PD Ptl. Dan Fogarty – K9 Rigby
• Little Egg Harbor PD Ptl. Matt Pretty – K9 Sully
• OC Sheriff’s Officer Kevin Fennessy – K9 Stosh
• OC Sheriff’s Officer Michael Fioretino – K9 Utah
• Stafford Township PD Ptl. Chris Smith – K9 Ollie