Berkeley College Justice Studies Students Engage with ATF Special Agent and K-9 Partner during Presentation in Woodbridge
Monday, March 24, 2025
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
973-200-1099
KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu
BERKELEY COLLEGE JUSTICE STUDIES STUDENTS ENGAGE
WITH ATF SPECIAL AGENT AND K-9 PARTNER
DURING PRESENTATION IN WOODBRIDGE
Photo Caption: (Left) Special Agent Michael Alongi, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and his K-9 partner, Sunny, present to Justice Studies – Criminal Justice students on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Berkeley College in Woodbridge, NJ. Alongi spoke about the benefits of having K-9 units in the field. (Right) K-9 Unit Sunny’s collectible trading card.
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Special Agent Michael Alongi of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) brought his four-legged partner, Sunny, a black Labrador retriever, to Berkeley College in Woodbridge, NJ, to teach a class of Justice Studies – Criminal Justice students about the contributions of K-9 units on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Agent or SA Alongi highlighted the importance of K-9 teams at everyday crime scenes, particularly in locating discarded firearms, explosive devices, or shell casings, which are critical for prosecutions. Students witnessed Sunny’s abilities in action as Agent Alongi provided a demonstration to locate simulated explosives on the premises. Assigned to the ATF’s Newark Field Division, Sunny can detect more than 19,000 distinct odors related to explosives, firearms, and ammunition. She can work off-leash up to 150 yards away from her handler.
“Berkeley College and the School of Professional Studies greatly appreciate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Newark Field Division, for providing students on the Woodbridge campus with this opportunity to learn and a demonstration of how explosives detection canines help to keep us safe,” said Gary Krulish, Chair, Justice Studies, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies. “These experiential learning (opportunities) are invaluable in preparing our students for career success.”
“I thank my professors for their time in arranging the special guest and providing us with networking opportunities,” said Madison Flanagan Desmond of South Plainfield, NJ, a first-year student who is working toward an Associate’s degree in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice at Berkeley College. “We are learning so much and really get to discover which path in the criminal justice field we like the most and want to pursue.”
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2025 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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