© Dave GriffinVentnor Police Department's Jamie Pirchio and K-9 partner Niko, graduate during the Atlantic County Police Training Center, John “Sonny” Burke Canine Training Facility, Atlantic County K-9 Scent Class #29 Graduation held at the Alton Theater at Stockton State College in Pomona.
Pirchio is on medical leave and Niko is in a kennel where he will stay until the department determines whether he can remain on the force, Police Chief Michael Miller said.
Pirchio was attempting to feed the animal at their Northfield home when it got distracted and turned on her, attacking her legs, arms and hands, Miller said.
She attempted to regain Niko's attention during the attack by using a toy, as she was taught in their training. Pirchio was able to get the dog back in its cage and run to her neighbor's house where she screamed for help.
Northfield resident Bob Webb, a retired police officer whose home Pirchio ran to, said he and his wife had just returned from church and were in their house eating breakfast when they heard Pirchio's screams.
Comment: See also: Dog attacks surging in Yarra Ranges, Australia