Hopewell Township Launches First K-9 Unit in Over 50 Years

Hopewell Township Police Department welcomed its first K-9 officer in more than half a century. Riley arrived this summer. The two-year-old dog — half German shepherd, half Belgian Malinois — works in explosives detection and tracking. Officer Robert Voorhees handles the animal.

"The first K-9 officer ever in Hopewell Township," said Chief James Rosso, according to MercerMe. "This is a newer program that we're happy to offer … it's a great benefit to add to the department."

Riley brings two new abilities. The dog tracks fresh human scent across distance, through water, snow, and thick vegetation. Riley also sweeps public gatherings, special events, and school buildings for explosives. No need to wait for outside help.

"We deal with a lot of missing persons on the mountains and hills we have," Rosso said. "This brings the ability to track someone a little quicker."

Riley and Voorhees received the 2025 Attorney General's Award for Selfless Service this month. Their response on Election Day earned them recognition. On Nov. 5, bomb threats forced multiple polling sites across New Jersey to close. The team cleared Ewing High School. Voting resumed.

Voorhees has worked at the department for 13 years. He spent a decade pushing for a K-9 program. A bomb threat at the former Har Sinai temple off Denow Road changed everything. "That was the straw that broke the camel's back," Voorhees said. "Chief Rosso was like, we're getting a bomb dog. We cannot leave our community unsafe that day."

Finding the right partner took three tries. The first dog arrived sick and became aggressive. The second lacked drive and quit during training. Riley proved to be what the program needed.

The team began K-9 school in November 2024. They certified in tracking in February 2025. Explosives certification came in June 2025. Training continues with one explosives certification day and one tracking certification day every month through the State Police.

Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning praised the addition. "Having Riley on our police force is an enormous benefit to the community," Peters-Manning said. "A K-9 brings capabilities we simply didn't have before — from tracking missing people in our woods to helping ensure our large public events are safe."

Voorhees serves on the State Detect and Render Safe Task Force. This statewide explosives unit supports major events, including World Cup preparations. He responds to tracking calls throughout the county and state. Few agencies have tracking dogs.