Nitro and Onyx don't wear a uniform. However, the four-legged canines play a very strategic role with the Whitehall Township Police Department.

The township's K-9 unit continues to have success in tracking down criminals.

Township commissioners and Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. were informed that K-9 officers Jeffrey Coleman with canine Nitro and Richard Garner with canine Onyx were kept exceptionally busy in assisting patrol officers in apprehending criminals.

Coleman and Nitro were summoned to Parkview Garden Apartments on a report of shots fired. Nitro and Coleman immediately went to work where they were led to an apartment building where a cache of firearms was found. Several suspects were cuffed and taken into custody.

Coleman and Nitro also assisted in tracking down a suspect in an armed robbery on Fernhill Lane. The suspect fled on foot, after several blocks, the canine lost the trail.

Officer Garner and Onyx responded to Spring Ridge Apartments on a report of a man stealing wheels from a parked vehicle. The canine was vital in locating the suspect and taking them into custody.

Officers and canines were also summoned to the Valero gas station on a report of a burglary. Although the suspect fled on foot, Garner and Onyx were hot on the suspect's trail. The canine tracked the suspect in the direction of the Whitehall Mall. There, the suspect was located, attempting to enter a vehicle.

Township officials were informed K-9 officers responded to numerous calls to assist patrol officers with checks of buildings on alarm calls and open doors.

The police dogs and their officers participate regularly in training, at times with police departments from other municipalities that have K-9 units. Township K-9 personnel and their dogs frequently assist other municipal police departments as well.

Nitro and Onyx reside with the officers at their private residences and are constantly with the officers while out on patrol.