07/12/2026
The Rockland County Sheriff's Office proudly congratulates Patrol Officer Tom Zinna and his partner, K9 Stewart, on their recent graduation from K9 Patrol School, hosted by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Over the course of an intensive 16-week training program, PO Zinna and K9 Stewart earned New York State DCJS certification in obedience, tracking, article searches, handler protection, and criminal apprehension, officially joining the ranks of certified K9 patrol teams.
K9 Stewart was named in honor of former Rockland County Sheriff's Office Chief Harry A. Stewart, whose leadership and dedication played an integral role in the growth and success of the agency. After an extraordinary 43-year career in law enforcement, Chief Stewart retired and later passed away following a brief illness on January 18, 2021. His legacy continues to inspire members of the Sheriff's Office and will never be forgotten.
K9 Stewart is a 19-month-old German Shepherd imported from Hungary. He was generously purchased and donated to the Rockland County Sheriff's Office by Clarkstown resident Ms. Michelle Mattei. A steadfast supporter of law enforcement, Ms. Mattei made the donation in honor of her late grandfather, Mr. Hugo Dumke, who proudly served as a mounted police officer in Germany.
Ms. Mattei's generous contribution not only strengthens the capabilities of the Rockland County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit but also enhances public safety by providing the citizens of Rockland County with another highly trained K9 team. This fall, PO Zinna and K9 Stewart will return to training to attend explosives detection school, where they will further expand their operational capabilities.
Please join us in congratulating Patrol Officer Tom Zinna and K9 Stewart on this outstanding achievement. We wish them continued success and a long, safe, and distinguished career serving the residents of Rockland County.
