Farewell To This Beloved Middlesex County Police K9

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Middlesex County Canine Search and Rescue Team is mourning the loss of the department's first search-and-rescue dog, a purebred search bloodhound that helped find dozens of missing people, and sadly passed away this past Sunday, Dec. 16.

The dog was officially named Canine 832 Joker’s Wild, but he was commonly just called "Joker."

There are several Middlesex County residents who are alive and well today because of Joker, and more than one criminal that has been brought to justice because of the dog's incredible scent-tracking skills. For example, in 2015, after a young woman was violently assaulted and left for dead, Joker tracked and led police officers to a home, which ultimately led to the identity of her attacker. For his assistance in that case, Joker received an award from the New Jersey Sex Crimes Officer’s Association later that same year.

“Joker’s work, combined with a dynamic police investigation, enabled the arrest of a dangerous predator and prevented further public harm," Middlesex County prosecutor Andrew Carey said of that particular case. “Middlesex County law enforcement lost a loyal partner."

Demonstrating his unyielding drive, Joker once tracked a missing adult man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for miles up a busy interstate highway after the man unknowingly walked away from a summer family gathering. Also, Joker once tracked the scent of a missing young autistic man to the northbound platform of an NJ Transit station, which gave detectives a direction of his travel. After detectives called ahead to all train stations along the line with the young man’s description, he was found in Newark’s Penn Station.

Gentle and easygoing, Joker was not characteristic of the lazy, lie-around bloodhound breed often portrayed on television.

“Joker was a remarkable bloodhound who loved nothing more than to get out and work," said his owners and handlers, Mike and Debbie Campbell. As soon as he saw them wearing their khaki uniform pants, which meant either a deployment or a training day, Joker would instinctively howl until he was placed in back of their SUV, realizing he would now get his chance to work.

Joker gave five years of exceptional lifesaving service to the Middlesex County prosecutor's office and was deployed for countless missing persons investigations. He also found people who were considered a suicide risk. He was originally purchased from the 832 K-9’s Deputy Dogs Kody Snodgrass Memorial Foundation in Florida.

When not working or in training, Joker loved attention and being among crowds of people. With his noble and dignified appearance, he won the hearts of hundreds of adults and children when brought to public events, local fairs, senior centers and Scout troops.

Sadly, Joker was diagnosed with progressive cancer at age ten.

His diligent work will be continued by Canines 832 Aleck William Wallace and 832 Beckett, the prosecutor said.

However, "Joker will always be known as the leader of the team," said the county prosecutor.

Photo of Joker provided to Patch by the Middlesex County prosecutor's office.