Sweeney Attends Crisis Response Canine Family’s Appreciation Luncheon

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney today attended the Crisis Response Canines Family’s Appreciation Luncheon, where he spoke to attendees and took part in surprising retired State Police Major John Hunt with an award for his work with the Crisis Response Canines.

Hunt is a 27-year-veteran of the New Jersey State Police and has national and international experience as a keynote speaker, with his involvement including presentations at the Weapons of Mass Destruction Exercise in Israel, the Global Terrorism symposium in Belgium, and multiple presentations in Washington regarding terrorism and active shooters. Hunt was also trained in Crisis Intervention following 9/11 and has utilized his expertise many times throughout his service in the State Police while dealing with critical events.

“This organization does amazing work to support individuals in New Jersey, as well as across the country, as they recover from highly traumatic events,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “John and his dog Gunther have provided support to survivors of mass shootings around the country, including Pulse Nightclub, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and the Tree of Life Synagogue. It was an honor to be here today as he received this award in recognition of all the work he does for this organization. I am very proud to share a home in South Jersey with Crisis Response Canines and I look forward to seeing how they continue to help our residents going forward.”

“Crisis Response Canines was born out of the need to provide real-time, on-the-ground support for our first-line responders who do the very difficult work of rescue and recovery,” said Andrea Hering, co-founder of Crisis Response Canines. “Time and time again we have heard that the presence of our K9 teams has provided comfort, and has contributed to the healing of those at the scene. Our work could not be completed without the support of public officials such as Senator Sweeney. As a team, we work together with our elected officials to provide support and healing for those at the center of a crisis.”

Crisis Response Canines is a non-profit organization comprised of certified K9 teams throughout the United States who provide strength, comfort, and emotional support to individuals, families, communities, and first responders in the aftermath of traumatic incidents.