Schultz Bill One Step Closer to Becoming Law

The state Assembly on Monday granted final legislative approval to a bill honoring a township police K-9 killed in the line of duty last November.

The measure, named after beloved Gloucester Township Police K-9 Schultz, aims to increase the penalty for those found guilty of killing a police dog engaged in a search or rescue operation to a mandatory five-year prison term, with no parole eligibility. The current law calls for prison terms of three to five years.

Fourth Legislative District Democratic Assemblyman Paul Moriarty introduced the bill last December, joining Sen. Fred Madden (D-4) in doing so.

“Schultz was more than a dog to his community,” Moriarty said in a statement. “He was a friend, protector and an asset to all law-abiding citizens. This law will ensure he and his fellow K-9 officers have strong protections against those who break society’s rules.”

Joining Moriarty as primary sponsors of the Assembly bill were Charles Mainor (D-31), Ruben Ramos Jr. (D-33) and Gilbert "Whip" Wilson (D-5).

The state Senate unanimously approved an identical bill in February.

The bill (Senate 2541/Assembly 3602) now goes to Gov. Chris Christie for signature or veto.

K-9 Schultz was killed on Nov. 30 after a half-mile pursuit of a robbery suspect ended along Route 42, in Blackwood. The suspect allegedly tossed the 3-year-old German shepherd into an oncoming car.

"It is my belief that the actions of K-9 Schultz that night saved the life of his handler, Cpl. Mark Pickard, another officer, or another innocent victim," Gloucester Township Police Chief W. Harry Earle said in a statement. "The Gloucester Township Police family is thankful to Mayor David Mayer, Sen. Fred Madden, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, and the Legislature for sponsoring this important legislation which will better protect law-enforcement animals. We eagerly await Gov. Christie’s review of this bill."

Gloucester Township's newest police K-9s will join the force following a graduation ceremony at Timber Creek Regional High School on June 1.

The ceremony is open to the public. It will begin at 6:30 p.m., and will feature K-9 demonstrations.

The two dogs—Maximus, assigned to Pickard, and Arrow, assigned to Ptl. Chris Gerace—are currently completing training in the New Jersey Police Canine Association/Camden County Police Academy Basic K-9 Class, according to police.

The Assembly approved the bill by a vote of 63-2, with seven members abstaining and eight not voting. Assemblymen Jon M. Bramnick (R-21) and Michael Patrick Carroll (R-25) opposed the measure.