Published: February 11, 2009 12:00 am      

Stonycreek Township getting new police dog

After going more than 20 years without a police dog, Stonycreek Township police now have Dutch.

The 20-month-old Belgian Malinois is the first police dog since the department retired two canines decades ago.

“This was an opportunity for us to get back into the canine corps,” police Chief Dave Dunkleberger said. “We’re always looking to move forward.”

The dog’s handler, Sgt. David Pollino, said he was contacted last year by members of the Johnstown K-9 unit about a dog that was available through V3K9 Solutions Inc. in Hyndman.

“They said our K-9 provider has a good dog. Would you be interested?” said Pollino, 29. “The chief said it was a good idea.”

Even better, the $3,000 dog cost about half the usual price.

Better still, the dog was paid for by the community, Dunkleberger said.

“The people and businesses in the area were very generous even though this is not a wealthy area,” he said.

Dutch is being certified as a patrol and narcotics dog.

Police dogs are used to perform tasks that could be hazardous for the officer, such as searching buildings for dangerous suspects.

“It boils down to this: It’s safety,” the chief said. “Not just for the police officer, but the community.”

Pollino takes Dutch home to his wife and three children.

“It’s really a family-altering event,” he said. “So far it’s been really good.”

Dutch is able to discern between play time and work.

“You can almost see his demeanor change,” Pollino said. “He knows when he’s going to work.”

Pollino barks out commands in French.

“Aueied” for heel and “assis” for sit.

“At first it was overwhelming,” he said. “But now we’re getting into the rewarding part. The dog is responding.”

Pollino credits Johnstown police dog handlers with helping him in his new venture.

“This is a new deal for me,” he said. “I’m always on the phone with them with questions. Every one of the officers down there has offered help.”

Dutch is expected to be on the job five to seven years before he retires, Pollino said.