JACKSON – The newly constructed Jackson Township Police Department K9 Training Facility became a way to celebrate the police department, local volunteers, and a Girl Scout who spent almost 100 hours on the project.
Due to inclement weather a planned dedication service forced the event indoors where residents, supporters, family members, and members of the Jackson Township Police Department assembled to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new K9 Training Facility.
This project was built not only to strengthen the department’s K9 program for the future, but also to honor the memory of fallen officer Deputy Sheriff Brian Kanterman, whose name now proudly stands displayed on the Jackson Police K9 Training Center at 704 Dorothy’s Lane.
The ceremony carried deep emotion as Police Chief Mary Nelson presented the Kanterman family with a Certificate of Dedication to memorialize their son, whose legacy now lives on through the training center that bears his name.
The “Remembering Brian Kanterman Foundation” was created in his honor as he was known as a lifelong dog lover who had dreamed of one day becoming a K9 officer. Tragically, five years ago, at just 25 years old, he lost his life in the line of duty before he could fulfill that dream. While his life was cut far too short, his memory and passion for service will continue to inspire others today.
Girl Scout Shannon Calsetta was also honored during the special ribbon cutting and dedication of the K9 training center. Shannon was recognized for all her hard work and commitment in completing this community project. The event showcased the grounds and equipment that are now fully prepared.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn presented a proclamation to the scout in recognition of the incredible work and dedication she passionately put into the project that first started in 2022. It began as Shannon’s Girl Scout Gold Award project that quickly expanded into something far greater – a lasting contribution to the entire Jackson Township community.
The scout was determined to create a project that would benefit both her community and her love of canines. In so doing, she set out to build a full K9 agility equipment course for the Jackson Township Police Department which over the course of four years and about 99 hours of hard work, she personally purchased, built, sanded, and painted the equipment that now stands as a centerpiece of the facility.
The Gold Award is the most prestigious honor in Girl Scouting. The scout comes up with the project which must be something that has a lasting impact. For example, the K9 course will be in place for many years. Along the way, scouts learn leadership, teamwork, planning, and other skills that are extremely useful in adulthood.
Mayor Kuhn said, “we are grateful to everyone who assisted in bringing this project to completion, including the Police Explorers for their final cleanup efforts.”
In recognition of her tireless commitment, Chief Nelson presented Shannon with a Letter of Recognition honoring her dedication and extraordinary contributions to the K9 Unit.
Among those thanked during the ceremony along with Shannon Calsetta and the Kanterman family were Chief Nelson and the Township Police Department K-9 Unit for making a very meaningful moment possible.
For more information about Brian Kanterman Inc., a not for profit organization visit rememberingbriank.com The group’s mission is to support communities by raising funds for those who serve, have served, and will serve the community whose goals in support of that mission include:
- Purchase police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty.
- Provide service dogs for veterans in need.
- Partner with local shelters to provide emotional support animals to veterans and first responders.
- Pay the costs to train individuals who wish to be a police officer, firefighter or EMT.
- Offer scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement, or legal fields.
- Assist veterans and first responders struggling with addiction to obtain support.
- Award “go bags” to first responders.
