19 explosive sniffing canine cops graduate in NYC

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Officer Douglas Joseph, center, and his K-9 Holland, is applauded during a graduation ceremony for new explosive detection canines and their police handlers

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Nineteen New York pooches trained to sniff out explosives have become official law enforcement officers.

The newest members of the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police matriculated Friday at a ceremony in Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal.

The dog detectives will inspect unattended packages and patrol trains, stations, tracks and MTA facilities. Twelve will cover the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and Staten Island Railway. The other seven will work with local law enforcement agencies in New York City, Putnam County, Brewster and Warwick.

The MTA says its canine officers last year responded to 27,900 jobs, inspecting and clearing 2,619 unattended packages. The dogs live with their human partners.

Their names are: Augie, Chief, Daehan, Foxy, Geo, Holland, Joey, Mac, Patriot, Sentry, T.J., Vinny, Blue, Boomer, Dante, Falco, Nox, Sentinel and Tank.