Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

WPD K-9 program looking for support

WILBRAHAM The Wilbraham Police Department's newest crime-fighting team is soon to be a reality. Officer Joseph Brewer was selected to become the police departments first K-9 handler, and is currently in Burlington, N.C., undergoing training with his "partner" an 18-month-old Yellow Labrador Retriever named Ben.

The K-9 is a single scent recognition dog trained by Mike Craig of Public Safety Dogs Inc. of Burlington, N.C. The dog is a tracking/trailing dog which has been specially trained to locate missing or abducted children, among many other things. The dog can track on a DNA saliva sample as well as clothing and article scents.

According to Capt. Raymond J. Kallaugher, this K-9 came to Wilbraham as a gift from the Wilbraham Masonic Lodge. The dog and its related training have a value of $15,000.

Kallaugher noted that the dog was donated by the Masons because it fits nicely with the Mason's popular CHIP (Child Identification Program), that many Wilbraham families have utilized. The CHIP Program uses fingerprints, still photographs, videotape of a child with voice and mannerisms and a dental impression with a DNA saliva sample. This program has been offered free-of-cost to nearly one million children to date in Massachusetts.

The Masons wanted to donate a dog that could track and find missing and abducted children, and the Wilbraham Police Department has always wanted the services of a K-9, but could never afford it, according to Kallaugher. "It's a nice marriage, and a great addition to public safety in Wilbraham," said Kallaugher.

Capt. Kallaugher stated that the police department has established a Gift Fund to help offset expenses with the unit. The department is looking for help in offsetting those expenses by asking for donations to the K-9 Gift Fund. To date, the YMCA, Wilbraham Rotary Club, Wilbraham Junior Women's Club and Wilbraham Unico have contributed to the Gift Fund. Additionally, there have been several private donors as well who have stepped up to help get the unit "off the ground," according to Kallaugher. Being that this is the unit's first year, there are many start-up expenses.

A drop-off station for donations has been placed in the police station lobby. Additionally, those with questions or who wish to donate may contact Capt. Kallaugher and Officer Brewer by phone at 596-3837 or by email at Wilbraham.PoliceK9@yahoo.com.