City of Saginaw issued the following announcement on Feb 8.
The Saginaw Police Department will welcome its newest K-9 member, a Dutch shepherd mix named Denver, thanks to the donation from the Saginaw Valley Police Canine Association (SVPCA). The donation was approved by Saginaw City Council at the Monday, February 7 meeting.
Denver, a two-year-old Dutch shepherd mix, was born in Mexico. He will soon begin his 5-week training program and join his partner, Police Officer Ervin Ward, as an official member of the Saginaw Police K-9 unit. Denver will replace Saginaw K-9 Mitch, who retired earlier this year.
Denver’s training will include tracking and imprinting him with odors for detection work. This training will prepare him to detect narcotics, search for lost children and vulnerable adults who wander away from their homes. Denver will soon be ready to go out on patrol with his new human partner.
The Saginaw Police Department has partnered with the SVPCA since 2012. The SVPCA is a non-profit organization that provides support for law enforcement K-9s by covering the costs for the dog, training, medical expenses, dog food, equipment, car inserts, carriers, leads, harnesses, heat alarms and other costs related to the K9 unit.
Saginaw Police Chief Bob Ruth said, "With the addition of Denver, we will once again have 24-hour coverage. This allows us to have a dog on every shift. That is a huge benefit for the department and the citizens of our city."
The police dogs' capabilities are broad as "dual-purpose narcotics" dogs. The Saginaw Police K-9 Division plays an important role in the department’s efforts to curb drug activity on our streets and in the community. Denver will be patrol and narcotic certified which means he will be able to seek out hidden drugs and contraband and also help to track lost children.
Saginaw Police Chief Bob Ruth also expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support of this program. “The contributions these dogs will bring to our force are immeasurable. I am grateful for this donation from the Saginaw Valley Police Canine Association and their commitment to safety for the City of Saginaw.”
For more information on the Saginaw Valley Police Canine Association, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SVPCA
Original source can be found here.
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