The K-9 unit began in 1998 with K-9 Kipper (Search and Rescue) with handler
Sergeant Timothy Cohen. In 1999 a patrol K-9 Carmen was added to the unit.
The K-9 unit trains with the Working Dog Foundation (www.workingdog.org)
in Portsmouth New Hampshire. Certification is obtained through the United
States Police Canine Association (www.uspcak9.com).
In 2005, K-9 Joy joined the unit with handler Sergeant Todd Baravalle
and is currently active. Joy was donated to the department by Vom Wildweg
Dogs (www.vomwildweg.com) of Kittery
Maine.
Joy is a certified patrol dog and maintains certification annually in
the areas of Obedience, Agility, Evidence search, Building Search, Criminal
Apprehension with and without gunfire and tracking through the United Police
Canine Association.
In June 2007, Joy participated in the Police Dog One Competition in Portsmouth
New Hampshire and competed against other K-9 teams from across the region.
Joy obtained certification in the areas of Obedience, Agility, Evidence
Search, Suspect Search and Criminal Apprehension with and without gunfire.
The
K-9 unit over the years has been an instrumental asset to the community
having assisted in locating lost persons, Alzheimer patients, wanted
suspects who have fled from the police, locating evidence at crime scenes,
successfully apprehended criminal suspects in building searches and during
traffic stops.
