FAIRFIELD, Conn. Criminals beware: Theres a new officer in Fairfield, and he packs quite a bite. Ruger, the Fairfield Polices new canine officer, officially started work Tuesday. The 21-month-old German shepherd and his handler Kevin Wells completed their training course earlier this month and are now on active duty.
Its been nine weeks of a lot of hard work, but Im ecstatic, Wells said Wednesday.
Ruger has been trained in narcotics detection, tracking and patrol duties. He will live with Wells, and patrol Fairfield in a specially marked car. The vehicle is also outfitted with special temperature controls so Ruger can safely stay inside the car in all types of weather.
Ruger, who will not bite unless Wells commands him to, is trained with German commands so he will listen only to trained officers. But police dont recommend petting or touching the dog because he is specially trained. Wells suggests treating him as you would a human officer in fact, the penalties for harming him in the line of duty are the same as for any other member of the police department.
The cost to add a K-9 unit to Fairfields police force was covered entirely with private donations and can last for at least five years without taxpayer expense. Sgt. Suzanne Lussier said she hopes Fairfield will add more dogs.
I think with the size of our department, and the size of the population we serve, we could support up to three dogs, she said.
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