Popular Atlantic County Sheriff’s K-9 Max Retires From Duty

Atlantic County Sheriff's K-9 Max is retiring from duty.

That's the word from the Atlantic County Sheriff's office about the popular K-9 narcotics dog who has been part of the Sheriff's office since 2020.

Atlantic County Sheriff's K-9 From Rescue Pup to Narco Officer

Max has had a fascinating life since puppyhood, when he was saved from euthanasia by the German Shepherd Rescue of New Jersey.

Tom Lloyd, the Rescue director, noticed how quickly Max picked up on command learning and advertised that he had a dog who would be a good worker.

Coincidentally, the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office was looking for a new partner for K-9 Officer Joseph Lomonaco.

In a Facebook tribute to Max, Atlantic County Sheriff's Officer Joe Lomonaco remembers meeting Max as a puppy and being impressed.

At 14 months old, Max and Joe Lomonaco began training at the Atlantic County "Sonny" Burke K-9 Academy, and Max excelled as a Narcotics Scent Detection Dog.

The pair graduated from K-9 training in February 2020.

Everybody Loves K-9 Max

It's cool to read how, even though K-9 Max was excellent at his job as a K-9 narcotics officer and in high demand with law enforcement agencies and task forces, the primary thing that the sheriff's office remembers is how social Max was with the public and how much everyone liked him.

Max and Ofc. Lomonaco were most notably known for how social Max was during countless Community Policing Events and K-9 Demonstrations throughout the county. Kids were able to approach Max and Ofc. Lomonaco and left with a smile each time. Max brought a positive image to the public relations of the law enforcement K-9 Unit and the community they serve.

K-9 Max Retires

Last year, Officer Lomonaco was promoted to Sergeant, and soon after, Max retired from narcotics work and focused on his role with the community, appearing at public events like the National Night Out.

Now, Max is moving into his retirement years to enjoy the good life with the Lomonaco family.

Thanks for your service, Max, and for being such a good dog!