'Pako' joins the Chicopee Police Department

Date: 3/18/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE -- The city's Police Department has a new member ready for training and who already seems to get along with his partner -- at least his tail was wagging.

Police Chief Joseph Ferraro introduced Mayor Michael Bissonnette and the press to Pako on Thursday, the city's new canine. The 14-month-old German shepherd will now undergo training with Canine Officer Joe Brunelle.

Pako, who was born in Hungary, cost the city $5,800, which Ferraro explained primarily came from donations from MassMutual. The training and certification, which will begin with sniffing out narcotics and then including search and rescue, will also cost the city nothing, as it will be conducted by the Massachusetts State Police.

The initial training period will take about 10 weeks, which is shorter than other departments might face because Brunelle is an experienced dog handler, Ferraro added.

The department's last canine, Freddie, died in October 2006. Ferraro said that since then, the department has used the services of other canines from adjoining departments.

Ferraro called Pako "a specialized tool to assist us."

Part of the reason for the gap of several years in acquiring a new canine was a shortage in manpower. Ferraro said he couldn't spare Brunelle for the time it would take to train a new dog.

During the press conference Pako was clearly playful as he was constantly engaging Brunelle who had a chew toy. "He's really good with kids," Ferraro said. He explained that part of Pako's duties would be to visit schools.

A dog lover himself, Bissonnette wasted no time when he arrived, crouching down to meet Pako face to face.

He called Pako "a huge asset" for the city.