Photo credit – Matt Meduri
As Islip MacArthur Airport (ISP) continues to be a regional economic boom, increased safety is an inevitable concern.
Elected officials, airport leaders, and law enforcement personnel convened at ISP’s baggage claim terminal to introduce the public to a new bomb-sniffing companion, Trisko II.
Trisko II is a two-year-old golden retriever-labrador mix who has completed three months of training, specializing in explosives detection.
Trisko II was donated by Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to adults, children, and Veterans with disabilities. Trisko II was determined to have too high of a drive for the Canine Companions program, making him a perfect companion for ISP security personnel to ensure the safety of travelers in and out of Islip.
“Police canines have a critically important role in law enforcement. Our most recent canine for the airport retired in January,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Robert Waring. “After three months of training, Trisko, and his handler, Officer Eric DePrima, are now exclusively assigned to Long Island MacArthur Airport, and will spend their time at the passenger terminal and other sections of the airport checking for the presence of explosives.”
Waring thanked Canine Companions for their donation of Trisko II, which was echoed by Deputy Presiding Officer and Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), who first served on Islip’s Town Council before being elected to the Legislature.
“We’ve had a lot of exciting announcements here at MacArthur Airport recently, including new airlines and destinations. However, with these wonderful developments, it’s crucial that we prioritize the safety of our travelers and residents,” said Islip Town Councilman John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville), whose Fourth Council District includes ISP. “My brother-in-law, a retired Suffolk County K-9 police officer, demonstrated the invaluable work that both the dog and the handler do to keep our community safe.”
Debbie Dougherty, Executive Director for the Northeast Training Center of Canine Companions, said that while dogs are “born with a purpose,” the group often looks for “new, innovative” tasks for the animals.
“We have dogs that are working with border patrol in search-and-rescue operations and many other government positions,” said Dougherty. “The Netflix documentary, Inside the Mind of a Dog, talks about the incredible scent that dogs can pick up because of how their noses are constructed. Each nose has a unique imprint, just like all of our fingerprints.”
Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) President Lou Civello said that while travelers can enjoy the convenience of flying through ISP, as opposed to JFK or LaGuardia, the aspect of safety is no different.
“We are a terrorist target here. We are a target for those who would do harm to you, to your family, to Long Islanders looking to travel, to leave for the holidays,” said Civello. “That’s why it is critically important that we invest in the safety of this airport. Trisko will keep Long Islanders safe, search for bombs, and keep those at bay who would do us harm.”
County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (pictured above) also echoed the thanks to Canine Companions, and took time to give Trisko II plenty of pets and attention.
Officials were also joined by Deputy Police Commissioners Belinda Alvarez-Groneman and Kevin Catalina, as well as Islip Town Councilman Mike McElwee (R-West Islip).
