At a morning press conference held at the Bank of Utica…

At a morning press conference held at the Bank of Utica, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol introduced the newest member of the Sheriff’s K9 Unit.

K9 George “Nero” is a German Short Haired Pointer and Black Labrador cross and is certified in narcotics detection. He is trained and certified to detect marihuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and K2. He will be assigned full time to the correctional facility. He replaces Jail K9 “Bo”, who passed away earlier this year from cancer. Officer Merzuk Hozanovic, a 15 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, is the handler for George “Nero”.

This morning’s press conference was held at the Bank of Utica as they provided the funding to purchase the dog. He was purchased from Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania and was born in Hungary in May of 2025, making him 17 months old.

Barry Sinnot from the Bank of Utica, along with all of their employees, joined the members of the Sheriff’s Office at this morning’s exciting announcement.