Class 12-15 Week #12
Week #12 Class: June 4 - K-9!!
The last session of the 12-15 Citizens Police Academy was a highly entertaining and informative one. Officers Pat Marin and Paul Rodriques from the Barnstable County Sheriff's office brought their K9 dogs--a patrol dog named Dax and a drug dog named Lily. Sandwich's K9 officer, Matt O'Brien, brought along Koda, his drug-sniffing dog. The two drug dogs demonstrated their skill in locating drugs hidden in the classroom and in Lt. Guillemette's car, and the officers emphasized the fact that the dogs can sniff out just about any drug, including pills. They can detect smells way beyond a human's capacity. The dogs go through 16 weeks of structured training with professional trainers; during the last 2 weeks, the officers who will be assigned to the dogs go through the training with them, and training continues once the dogs "partner" with them. Patrol dogs are usually herding breeds, like German Shepherds or Malinois. The drug dogs can be just about any breed, usually smaller dogs, and they are highly curious and food-driven, with food being the reward for "finding." Officer O'Brien volunteered to be the bad guy in a demonstration of Officer Marin's patrol dog's skills. He donned the full "bite" suit, and Dax was let loose to chase him at Officer Marin's command, chomping onto Officer O'Brien's arm and holding on until Officer Marin told him to let go. Pretty dramatic!
At the break, the class presented Lt. Guillemette and Sgt. Lawrence with a custom made cake featuring their photos embedded in the icing. Our esteemed Alumni Association President, Kevin Paice, gave a brief overview of what the Police Academy Alumni Association is involved in and encouraged graduates to consider becoming members. At the end of the class, Dave asked for feedback from the students, and they were unanimous in their appreciation for what they learned during the 12 weeks and in their respect for what our officers go through during the course of their duties. Donna Leiss, Contributing Editor
The last session of the 12-15 Citizens Police Academy was a highly entertaining and informative one. Officers Pat Marin and Paul Rodriques from the Barnstable County Sheriff's office brought their K9 dogs--a patrol dog named Dax and a drug dog named Lily. Sandwich's K9 officer, Matt O'Brien, brought along Koda, his drug-sniffing dog. The two drug dogs demonstrated their skill in locating drugs hidden in the classroom and in Lt. Guillemette's car, and the officers emphasized the fact that the dogs can sniff out just about any drug, including pills. They can detect smells way beyond a human's capacity. The dogs go through 16 weeks of structured training with professional trainers; during the last 2 weeks, the officers who will be assigned to the dogs go through the training with them, and training continues once the dogs "partner" with them. Patrol dogs are usually herding breeds, like German Shepherds or Malinois. The drug dogs can be just about any breed, usually smaller dogs, and they are highly curious and food-driven, with food being the reward for "finding." Officer O'Brien volunteered to be the bad guy in a demonstration of Officer Marin's patrol dog's skills. He donned the full "bite" suit, and Dax was let loose to chase him at Officer Marin's command, chomping onto Officer O'Brien's arm and holding on until Officer Marin told him to let go. Pretty dramatic!
At the break, the class presented Lt. Guillemette and Sgt. Lawrence with a custom made cake featuring their photos embedded in the icing. Our esteemed Alumni Association President, Kevin Paice, gave a brief overview of what the Police Academy Alumni Association is involved in and encouraged graduates to consider becoming members. At the end of the class, Dave asked for feedback from the students, and they were unanimous in their appreciation for what they learned during the 12 weeks and in their respect for what our officers go through during the course of their duties. Donna Leiss, Contributing Editor
Photos courtesy of Pauline Fortin and John Leiss