Tracking down the new K-9 unit
Dr. Hechko to provide dog’s medical care
Dr. Adam Hechko and his staff at the North Royalton Animal Hospital will provide the police dog’s medical care. File photo by JAIME ANTON
NORTH ROYALTON – No bones about it, the North Royalton Police Department has formally begun the process of hiring its newest four-legged recruit.
North Royalton will soon have its very own K-9 unit, a program that was retired right along with the last police dog, Buster, in May 1999.
But last year, the department applied for grant funding through the The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, which is known widely for distributing grants to police and fire departments for K-9 units, to retrieve the program with a new dog. The city fetched a $12,800 grant, which covers the cost of the dog, its bulletproof vest and kennels.
The city is on the hunt for not only a dog but also the officer who will serve as the canine’s handler. Safety Director Bruce Campbell said three officers have applied but only one will be chosen. Two weeks ago, these officers were put through an assessment process conducted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist in determining the right officer for the job. That officer is expected to be announced within the next month.
The next step will be to select the right dog, also expected in the next month. Again the State Highway Patrol, which has extensive experience in canine programs, will be assisting looking at things like breed, health and temperament.
The newly selected K-9 handler and dog will meet during the Canine Training Academy, a 10-week program the pair will begin at the end of March.
“They will be building a foundation from the ground up starting with training,” Campbell said. “This has been, since the day we found out we were awarded the grant, a long journey putting a lot of pieces together to make this a reality. We want this to be a very positive experience, so we are making sure we do everything right and our taking our time finding the best dog, the best officer, the best training.”
Both will be put through the paces not only building a relationship but learning the critical skills needed. This will be a dual-purpose dog able to locate narcotics but also track a missing person or hiding criminal, for example, all skills taught during training, Campbell said.
This training typically costs $8,000, but the Ohio State Highway Patrol has offered the city its 10-week training academy as well as continuing training up to one year beyond the course at no cost.
And the new pup already has a veterinarian lined up.
It’s the community’s dog so it makes sense that a community doctor handles the animal’s care.
North Royalton Animal Hospital’s Dr. Adam Hechko will be taking care of much of the routine check ups free of charge. Hechko is known for his passion and tireless efforts to not only foster the bond between pets and their owners but foster the bond among community, hosting the popular Pet Carnival on the City Green each year. This is an extension of that effort.
“The North Royalton Animal Hospital is excited and honored to continue in our commitment by serving the community in this way,” he said. “I think it will be neat for our office to be able to build this relationship and watch the K-9 officer grow into this unique role in the city, and we are more than happy to be a part of that.”
North Royalton will soon have its very own K-9 unit, a program that was retired right along with the last police dog, Buster, in May 1999.
But last year, the department applied for grant funding through the The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, which is known widely for distributing grants to police and fire departments for K-9 units, to retrieve the program with a new dog. The city fetched a $12,800 grant, which covers the cost of the dog, its bulletproof vest and kennels.
The city is on the hunt for not only a dog but also the officer who will serve as the canine’s handler. Safety Director Bruce Campbell said three officers have applied but only one will be chosen. Two weeks ago, these officers were put through an assessment process conducted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist in determining the right officer for the job. That officer is expected to be announced within the next month.
The next step will be to select the right dog, also expected in the next month. Again the State Highway Patrol, which has extensive experience in canine programs, will be assisting looking at things like breed, health and temperament.
The newly selected K-9 handler and dog will meet during the Canine Training Academy, a 10-week program the pair will begin at the end of March.
“They will be building a foundation from the ground up starting with training,” Campbell said. “This has been, since the day we found out we were awarded the grant, a long journey putting a lot of pieces together to make this a reality. We want this to be a very positive experience, so we are making sure we do everything right and our taking our time finding the best dog, the best officer, the best training.”
Both will be put through the paces not only building a relationship but learning the critical skills needed. This will be a dual-purpose dog able to locate narcotics but also track a missing person or hiding criminal, for example, all skills taught during training, Campbell said.
This training typically costs $8,000, but the Ohio State Highway Patrol has offered the city its 10-week training academy as well as continuing training up to one year beyond the course at no cost.
And the new pup already has a veterinarian lined up.
It’s the community’s dog so it makes sense that a community doctor handles the animal’s care.
North Royalton Animal Hospital’s Dr. Adam Hechko will be taking care of much of the routine check ups free of charge. Hechko is known for his passion and tireless efforts to not only foster the bond between pets and their owners but foster the bond among community, hosting the popular Pet Carnival on the City Green each year. This is an extension of that effort.
“The North Royalton Animal Hospital is excited and honored to continue in our commitment by serving the community in this way,” he said. “I think it will be neat for our office to be able to build this relationship and watch the K-9 officer grow into this unique role in the city, and we are more than happy to be a part of that.”