K9 Nikita Is Helping Warren Fight Crime, Graduates Canine Academy

WARREN, NJ — Nikita may have fur and four legs but she is helping the Warren Township Police fight crime.

K9 Nikita completed her sense training and graduated from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Canine Training Academy on May 10. She previously completed her patrol training in February.

The almost 2-year-old German Shepherd, Nikita, is the department's second K-9 dog and handled by Warren Police Officer Bryan Horst.

"This is the best job you can have," Horst said of being a K9 handler. "I guess you could say they are the best partners you can as for. Dogs will do anything for you."

Horst previously handled the department's first K9 Onyx who is set to retire in July after serving for 8 years. Both Onyx and Nikita live with Horst in his home.

Over his time with the department, Onyx has caught 6 people running from the police and found two missing people, said Horst.

Nikita, who started working with the department in October 2020, has already helped to find an autistic 13-year-old who ran away from home.

Horst said Nikita's graduation is "fantastic. She will be a great asset for the police department."

Nikita will be replacing Onyx in large part due to the decriminalization of marijuana. Onyx was trained to find marijuana where Nikita is not.

Nikita instead is trained to detect four different senses including crack, cocaine, heroin and meth.

Horst credits Nikita's training to Bergen County Head Trainer Marcello Hagotian and his staff.

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