Middletown Security Going to the Dogs

His name is Tupac and he's the bomb ... sniffing K-9 officer in Middletown.

The four-legged furry officer's proper title would be "explosives detection K-9."

A federal Homeland Security grant bought the 3-year-old German shepherd is an import from the Czech Republic to Middletown, a commuter hub with two major travel hubs at its train station and Belford Ferry Terminal. Considering Middletown's loss of 37 residents to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in New York City on 9/11, the area was deemed most suitable to have such an addition to the force.

On the job since 2010, Middletown Township Police Department's only K-9 was trained to sniff out a threat. He's very protective, yet very friendly, smart and loyal. And his dad and partner, Officer Frank Mazza, now says he's a special kind of breed because of that keen intelligence unlike anything else he's ever seen in a dog. The immense loyalty shown by his K-9 partner is something that continues to impress Mazza.

"He takes his job very seriously," Mazza said. "He's a great dog ... incredibly loyal. I love dogs. I have other dogs. But there is something very different about this guy. He's really amazing. I think I'll always have German shepherds from now on, nothing against my other dogs."

Tupac has two pug sisters at home who, Mazza said, with whom he is not particularly enthralled. "He's the real dog in his mind, I think," Mazza said. "His pug sisters are just there. They annoy him sometimes. I don't think he sees them as dogs."

If you're at the ferry or near the train you're likely to have met Tupac. Say hello. He enjoys the interaction. After all, he's there to protect and serve.

Check out the above video, produced by Steve Rogers, featuring Tupac and Mazza in action.