Started in the early 1970's with K9 Tanner and Handler Officer Dick Morricey the unit operated for several years being discontinued until the early 1990's.
Replaced after 15 years with a brother and sister German Shepard pair, K9 Dakota and Duke, Brought into existence by donations and fundraising efforts the furry crimes fighters handled by Officer's Dan McCarthy and Tim Currier the pair found lost people, apprehended wanted people and entertained a variety of young and old alike with their skills and personalities.
K9 Dakota retired after his dad Dan was promoted to Sergeant and passed away after several years of enjoying home with his family.
K9 Duke very long in the tooth is being the boss dog to his new roommate and replacement K9 Jack.
K9 Jack despite having early medical issues is a boundless source of energy. Jack never stops often causing Officer Tim to replace the soles on his boots. The minute the radio comes on or the door operns Jack is ready to work.
K9 Logan and Handler Chris Greene replaced K9 Dakota. A very large German shepard Logan was known for his love of children (often at schools with piles of kids laying on him), a dislike for small stuffed animals and a nose and jaws that no one could escape.
A new look came on the K9 scene for GPD with the arrival of a long earred, long legged jedimaster of the tracking world K9 Badger. A blood hound Badger loves to put his nose to the ground and unlike other dogs has the ability to tracks hours and days after an incident is passed. Handler Rick Brooks brought the program into existence, worked and aquired a donated dog and volunteered his time for specialized Bloodhound training. Badger hates sitting idle in his patrol vehicle and frquently performs interior degihn work on the interio.
K9 Logan retired after six years and his handler Chris Greene went to a new assignment in patrol. Logan is now helping manage kids and sometimes apologizing to his furry roomate Tonka for some past misbehaviors.
Logan and Chris are being replaced by Handler Patricia West and brand new K9 Tyco. Currently attending training at the State Police Training facilty in Devens Mass this is an exclusive all female team. Officer West is a veteran of the department, patrol officer, award winning narcotics detective and a member of the Special Reponse Team.
The program owes it sucess to fundraining efforts over the years. The program has been funded over 80 % by Federal and State Grants and donation and fundraing drives organized by Chief David McCarthy (ret), community members and leaders, the Kiwanis Club.
Skip, Mary B, Judy, well what can we say...........The Department all all the people the program has help owe you a lot...
K9 Unit
