Local author publishes children’s book honoring K-9 pioneer

Local author Chris Dion has published his first book, “Just Doing My Job: The Historic Story of Detective Neil Monaco & K9 Brandy,” a children’s and young adult title that tells the story of a pioneering New York Police Department detective and his canine partner.

The book, available through Amazon, follows the life and service of Neil Monaco, a first-generation Italian American, U.S. Air Force veteran and one of three men credited with creating the NYPD canine program.

According to Dion, Monaco’s work alongside his explosive- detection dog, Brandy, in 1972 helped lay the foundation for what would later become the Transportation Security Administration’s canine program.

Dion said the story is written to introduce young readers to Monaco’s accomplishments while emphasizing the moral lessons found in his life and service.

The inspiration for the project came in 2023 when Dion met Monaco at the TSA Canine Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Monaco was attending ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, a project Dion helped spearhead.

At the time, Dion said Monaco’s role in the history of the TSA canine program had largely been forgotten.

While Brandy was frequently recognized in accounts of the program’s origins, Monaco’s name was often omitted from public records and historical summaries.

Determined to preserve Monaco’s legacy, Dion initially explored creating a bronze statue and documentary. However, he said those projects required significant funding, time and coordination, making it uncertain whether they could be completed while Monaco was still able to participate.

Monaco is now in his 80s and suffers from health issues related to his work during rescue and recovery efforts following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The idea for a children’s book came from Dion’s friend, Will Jenkins of Up Style Productions in Pipe Creek.

Jenkins suggested publishing the story through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform.

With Jenkins’ guidance and mentorship, Dion spent more than a year researching, writing and producing the book. The project officially became a reality June 10 when the book was released.

Dion said he plans to continue the series by highlighting the stories of other notable military and working dogs while exploring the life lessons connected to their service.

His next book, tentatively titled “Out of the Ashes: The Story of Zzaslo K427,” will focus on a U.S. Army mine-detection dog named in honor of Sept. 11 victim Ira Zaslow.

Dion said the book will examine the connections between the lives touched by the dog’s service and the healing that followed.

In addition to future books, Dion continues to raise funds for a documentary about Monaco’s life and legacy.

The proposed project would allow Monaco to tell his story in his own words.

Just Doing My Job: The Historic Story of Detective Neil Monaco & K9 Brandy” is available through Amazon at www.amazon.com.

Those interested in learning more about Monaco and Brandy or contributing to the planned documentary can visit the project's GoFund-Me page at gofundme. com/f/00b8d97dd.