JACKSON, N.J. — A Jackson teen who has dedicated nearly a decade to public safety education and K-9 advocacy will receive the Girl Scouts of the USA’s highest honor this weekend in recognition of her leadership and impact across Ocean County.
When Jackson Township announced its new K9 police unit, she jumped into action, helping the department, the K-9 officers and their handlers.
Shannon Calsetta, a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, will be formally presented with the Gold Award on Sunday,
The ceremony follows a community presentation hosted by Shannon herself—part of a series she developed to educate the public about police canine units and emergency response.
She has previously earned her Bronze and Silver Awards by researching K-9 operations, collaborating with local law enforcement, and fundraising to supply 13 canine oxygen mask kits to Ocean County fire departments.
Shannon’s drive didn’t stop with the Silver Award. She approached Jackson Township officials, including Mayor Reina and Chief Kunz, about the lack of a K-9 unit in Jackson.
Despite being told it was due to funding and a lack of officer interest, Shannon organized a petition campaign that drew about 500 signatures, hoping to change their minds.
Her initiative coincided with a $20,000 donation that helped launch the unit in 2024.
To complete the 80 hours of service required for the Gold Award, Shannon shifted her focus to improving training capabilities.
After initial plans to help Ocean County were dropped, she persuaded Jackson officials to support a new K-9 training obstacle course, which she helped to fund and build.
When municipal financial backing was withdrawn, Shannon raised the funds independently and built the equipment with support from her advisor and peers.
She worked closely with local public safety officials, including Sgt. Nick Bondarew of Howell Township and Sgt. Kevin Fennessey of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. Shannon also met with canine handlers across multiple departments and studied canine behavior with K-9 Search and Rescue.
Through her determination and never-give-up attitude, Shannon was able to complete her goal of persuading the township to establish a K-9 unit and she came through on her promise to make sure the new officers had training equipment.
“Shannon embodies the spirit of what makes Jackson a great community,” said Council President Jennifer Kuhn. “She could have given up when dealing with red tape and government roadblocks, but she didn’t, and we’re proud of her and her accomplishments and greatly appreciate her dedication and devotion to our police K-9 officers in Jackson and in surrounding communities.
Now preparing to enlist in the U.S. Navy with hopes of becoming a Military Police Master at Arms with a K-9 unit, Shannon continues to pursue her lifelong passion for law enforcement and service.
