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June 23, 2026
Local author publishes historic story about NYPD canine program
Local author Chris Dion has just published his first book entitled, “Just Doing My Job: The Historic Story of Detective Neil Monaco & K9 Brandy,” which can be found on Amazon. This book is geared toward children and young adults, and tells the story of Mr. Neil Monaco, a first generation Italian American USAF Veteran who was one of three men who created the NYPD canine program. His actions, along with his K9 Brandy, in 1972 led to the creation of what is today’s TSA Canine program. The story is told in such a way as to highlight the moral lesson found within the tale.
Dion was inspired to write this book after meeting Monaco in 2023 at the TSA Canine Training Center, located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Monaco was there as part of the 10-year anniversary ceremony for the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, which Dion spearheaded. Prior to this event, Monaco’s name was lost to history. Whenever the history of the TSA Canine Program was told, it was only the explosive detection German Shepherd Brandy that was spoken of, as no one could recall the name of her handler, nor was it included in any public documents or histories. Dion was determined to correct this oversight and ensure that Monaco’s name would never again be forgotten. Toward this goal, he looked into the creation of a bronze statue and a documentary. However, the time, effort and coordination needed to raise the necessary funds was a significant undertaking, which could not be guaranteed to be completed while Monaco was still alive as he is in his 80s and suffers from ailments related to his actions working to save lives following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
A friend of his, Will Jenkins of Up Style Productions in Pipe Creek, suggested he might want to turn Monaco’s story into a children’s book and have it published through Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing. So with Jenkins’ assistance and mentorship, he began a process that took him more than a year to complete. On Tuesday, 10 June 2026, that dream became a reality.
With the realization of this dream, Dion has decided to write a series of these books, each one telling the story of a different K9 hero or legend and the moral life lesson each one teaches. His next book will be about a U.S. Army Mine Detection Dog, named after 9-11 victim Ira Zaslow entitled “Out of the Ashes; The Story of Zzaslo K427.” This book will focus on the lives connected and the healing brought about by the life and service of this warrior. Dion also still seeks to raise approximately $100,000 in order to create a basic documentary of Monaco’s life, told by Monaco in his own words. Again, this goal has a tight timeline based on his age and health.
If you are interested in learning more about Monaco and Brandy, or contributing to the effort, there is a Go Fund Me located at https://gofund.me/00b8d97dd
Dion was inspired to write this book after meeting Monaco in 2023 at the TSA Canine Training Center, located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Monaco was there as part of the 10-year anniversary ceremony for the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, which Dion spearheaded. Prior to this event, Monaco’s name was lost to history. Whenever the history of the TSA Canine Program was told, it was only the explosive detection German Shepherd Brandy that was spoken of, as no one could recall the name of her handler, nor was it included in any public documents or histories. Dion was determined to correct this oversight and ensure that Monaco’s name would never again be forgotten. Toward this goal, he looked into the creation of a bronze statue and a documentary. However, the time, effort and coordination needed to raise the necessary funds was a significant undertaking, which could not be guaranteed to be completed while Monaco was still alive as he is in his 80s and suffers from ailments related to his actions working to save lives following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
A friend of his, Will Jenkins of Up Style Productions in Pipe Creek, suggested he might want to turn Monaco’s story into a children’s book and have it published through Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing. So with Jenkins’ assistance and mentorship, he began a process that took him more than a year to complete. On Tuesday, 10 June 2026, that dream became a reality.
With the realization of this dream, Dion has decided to write a series of these books, each one telling the story of a different K9 hero or legend and the moral life lesson each one teaches. His next book will be about a U.S. Army Mine Detection Dog, named after 9-11 victim Ira Zaslow entitled “Out of the Ashes; The Story of Zzaslo K427.” This book will focus on the lives connected and the healing brought about by the life and service of this warrior. Dion also still seeks to raise approximately $100,000 in order to create a basic documentary of Monaco’s life, told by Monaco in his own words. Again, this goal has a tight timeline based on his age and health.
If you are interested in learning more about Monaco and Brandy, or contributing to the effort, there is a Go Fund Me located at https://gofund.me/00b8d97dd