This is the Lafayette Police Department's new K9. His name is Tommy. His is a young Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. Officer Ron Dombkowski is his handler. Tommy replaces Kwando who died in February from health problems. I got to meet Tommy the day Dombkowski brought him home from the kennel. But they won't be home long. Both are headed to specialized training for the next five weeks. Tommy was very friendly and eager to meet everyone who walked by city hall. However, Dombkowski says Tommy's demeanor changes when he knows he is working. Ron said he chose Tommy because of his temperament and tracking abilities. The Tippecanoe County prosecutor's office paid for the dog and training (about $11,000) The money came from forfeitures from drug cases. LPD is still taking donations for a new police dog. Deputy Chief Dave Payne says a couple organizations are trying to raise money for the K9. If you'd like to help, just call the department at 807-1200.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
New K9
This is the Lafayette Police Department's new K9. His name is Tommy. His is a young Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. Officer Ron Dombkowski is his handler. Tommy replaces Kwando who died in February from health problems. I got to meet Tommy the day Dombkowski brought him home from the kennel. But they won't be home long. Both are headed to specialized training for the next five weeks. Tommy was very friendly and eager to meet everyone who walked by city hall. However, Dombkowski says Tommy's demeanor changes when he knows he is working. Ron said he chose Tommy because of his temperament and tracking abilities. The Tippecanoe County prosecutor's office paid for the dog and training (about $11,000) The money came from forfeitures from drug cases. LPD is still taking donations for a new police dog. Deputy Chief Dave Payne says a couple organizations are trying to raise money for the K9. If you'd like to help, just call the department at 807-1200.
