When Frederick police Officer Ian Austin traveled to F.M. K9 in Berrien Center, Michigan, in February to search for the department’s first police dog in nearly three years, he tested 12 different dogs. But one stood out — a 15-month-old Belgian Malinois-German shepherd crossbreed named Eden.
“One of the first things we tested was his hunt and how much he uses his nose and how engaged he is when using his nose,” Austin said.
Courage was another thing Austin looked for.
“I want a dog that will stand its ground and not take off in the other direction,” Austin said. “But I also don’t want a dog that wants to fight anybody and everybody. He’s very calm.”
Eden, whose name is temporary, will mark the first K-9 to join the force after the department’s K-9 program took a hiatus in 2017. The new K-9 will serve as a patrol dog and assist in narcotics detection.
Frederick officials put out a call for residents to suggest a new name for the dog via an online form. People could submit names through Sunday, at which point Austin will be tasked with picking out a name for the dog.
Town spokesperson Angela Wilson said as of Friday afternoon the town had received 582 naming suggestions. Some of the names people have suggested on Facebook include Officer Valentino Goober Fuzzy Paws, Liberty, Justice, Lux and Frederick, and at least one person pointed out that no one had yet suggested Doggy McDogface.
The Frederick Police Department had a K-9 unit for nine years. But Frederick police Patrol Commander Justin Glantz said the program took a pause when Officer Andy Fairbanks retired its last police dog, Buran, in 2017.
Due to staffing levels and other priorities that took precedent, the unit was paused. It wasn’t until voters passed a 1% sales and use tax in 2019 that the department once again had the resources to reestablish the unit, Glantz said. The tax is expected to generate roughly $1.49 million annually. Its passage has allowed the department to increase retention of officers and hire more to join the force, as well as purchase new equipment. Glantz said he didn’t know how many more officers have so far been hired.
“Having a K-9 program is a true asset to the department and to the community as a whole,” Glantz wrote in an email. “The skills and abilities a K-9 has provides the department with an extra tool to help in locating illegal narcotics, increase officer safety, help in locating missing persons, and just the overall interaction with the community as a whole.”
Austin has seen firsthand the benefits of a K-9 unit. Before working for the Frederick Police Department, he worked with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years, where he gained over 10 years of K-9 experience as a sergeant. According to a town news release about the unit’s revival, Austin is a trainer instructor with certifications from the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training.
“The K-9 unit really increases manpower,” Austin said. “It cuts down on time for certain aspects. We’re able to clear buildings faster. Then just the benefit of having the extra tool of his nose. K-9 units, their main benefit is the (dog’s) nose as a locating tool for suspects, runaways, missing or endangered people or illegal substances.”
F.M. K9 is a veteran-owned and -operated facility in southwest Michigan that specializes in “pairing officers with perfect canine partners,” according to its website. The new Frederick police dog cost roughly $6,900 to purchase.
Austin plans to begin the dog’s eight-week training in May. Already, he said he’s been working on the dog’s obedience skills. While the dog is the unit’s only at the time, Austin hopes the program will one day be expanded and include at least one other dog in the future.
Frederick Chief of Police Todd Norris said he was “excited” to see the program return, according to the release.
“The program will help foster community relations and be essential in improving safety for our officers,” Norris said in the release.” Our K-9 program will also bring back vital education demonstrations during community events. I’m looking forward to our annual Fishing Clinic and DIY Day on Saturday, May 15, where we can introduce our new K-9 to our citizens.”
With the dog by his side, Austin said he looks forward to using the K-9 to make the department even stronger.
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Frederick Police Department welcomes first police dog after decision to revive K-9 unit - Longmont Times-Call
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