Olmsted Falls - It's been a few years, but the Olmsted Falls Police Department is restarting its k-9 unit with the recent addition of Gauge, a 12-week-old Belgian Malinois partnered with Patrolman Dan Daugherty.
"There are several benefits to having a K9 officer in the city," Police Chief Odis B. Rogers tells Cleveland.com.. "Having a K9 to search for a suspect in a building or in a wooded area, that helps to keep our officers safe. Also, searching for narcotics, it helps keep our community safe."
A few months ago, Rogers was approached by Daugherty about reviving the K9 unit, which can cost $20,000 to $25,000 for the purchase of the dog, training and squad car equipment.
Daugherty then got in touch with BARK (Buckeye Area Regional K-9), and attended a couple training sessions himself to explain what the goals of the department were. Bark then offered to donate a dog, and another police agency is donating it's old K-9 police car insert. Worchester's in North Ridgeville is donating dog food, while Strongsville Animal Clinic is donating veterinarian services."
The puppy joined Daugherty a couple of weeks ago and already started training, which after six months will include certification in narcotics, article searches and tracking. Within a year, the police K9 will also be fully certified in suspect apprehension.
Daugherty says Gauge has already been taking rides in the squad car, and is acclimating himself to the community nicely.
Photo courtesy of the Olmsted Falls Police Department
Hear news updates at the top and bottom of the hour: wtam.com/listen