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Dade City swears in two police officers and new K‑9 funded by local foundation
Summary
The commission presided over the swearing‑in of two newly sponsored police officers and recognized K‑9 'Ghost' and handler Officer Hayden Garifolo; the Dade City Police Foundation funded the canine purchase and presented tokens to the officers.
The Dade City Commission and Police Chief hosted a swearing‑in ceremony on March 10 for two new officers sponsored by the city to attend the law‑enforcement academy and formally introduced a new department K‑9.
Police Chief Sterling introduced the new officers — Austin Deliberti and Jonathan (name variants appear in the transcript) — describing their backgrounds and academy sponsorship by the Dade City Police Department. Each officer repeated the oath of office administered in the meeting and was congratulated by the commission and foundation members.
Chief Sterling also introduced K‑9 Ghost and handler Officer Hayden Garifolo. The chief said Ghost is a trained narcotics‑detection K‑9 and noted the Dade City Police Foundation paid for the canine through donations from local individuals and businesses. A foundation representative thanked the commission and foundation members for their ongoing support and presented small tokens to the new officers.
The commission and chief emphasized the partnership between the city and the Police Foundation; commissioners applauded the recruits and the foundation’s contribution. The chief said Ghost will assist in narcotics searches and help protect officers and residents.
The ceremony included short biographical remarks about each officer’s local ties and training, the formal oath of office, and public recognition of the foundation’s role in funding the K‑9. No formal vote was required for the swearing‑in or the foundation’s presentation.
