Police Officer Manuel Orellana and his K-9 Angel were recognized for their work on May 26, 2017 at the Staten Island Kennel Club Show as part of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Officers Program, which honors dogs who work in a public service role. The Staten Island Kennel Club had the privilege to present the “Canine Officers Appreciation Certificate” to this amazing team, who work with the New York Police Department Canine Unit. They have been a successful team for 2 ½ years.
On March 16, 2017, an autistic teenager went missing. Police Officer Orellana and his K-9 Bloodhound Angel were called to search. As a starting point for the scent, Policer Officer Orellana and K-9 Angel used the missing teenager’s pillow case. The K-9 team tracked for approximately 2 to 3 New York City blocks from the teen’s residence, where they found the missing teenager in good health, and was then reunited with family.
Also, on October 25, 2016 Officer Orellana and his K9 partner, Angel, responded to a call of a male suspect with a firearm riding on a bicycle. The suspect was lost during a foot pursuit in which the suspect dropped the bicycle. Officer Orellana made a scent pad and used the seat of bicycle to get a good scent of the suspect. K-9 Angel was given the scent pad as her starting point and she tracked for over 1 mile. Angel’s tracking came to an end at a private resident where the suspect was located. The suspect was apprehended without any further incidence.
Office Orellana and his canine partner succeeded in getting the suspect and the weapon off the streets.
All in attendance that day learned about the vital role Office Orellana and his K-9 Angel play in keeping the public safe. It was an opportunity, for many to express their appreciation for service that the police department does, and many personally thanked Officer Orellana and K-9 Angel.