Published: March 12, 2008 11:03 pm      

Force getting police dog

EBENSBURG — Police Officer Jim McGough smiled after Cambria Township supervisors unanimously approved adding a police dog to the force.

“I’m really happy,” said McGough, who will be the dog’s handler.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do since the beginning of my career.”

The newest addition to the township police force is courtesy of Dan and Fran Decker of Decker Diamond Jewelers on Jamesway Road.

Fran Decker approached township supervisors several months ago, offering to contribute a police dog after reading of Northern Cambria’s similar project.

“We knew there was a huge need for it, and we wanted to give back to the community. We’re excited about it, too,” said Fran Decker, who last week gave the township the go-ahead for ordering the dog.

The final price is not yet known, she said.

A German shepherd will be selected and trained by Von der haus Gill Police K-9 Training Academy in Wapakoneta, Ohio, McGough said.

“It’s a six-week training program and the dog will be trained in patrol, criminal apprehension, building searches and missing persons searches,” he said.

One township cruiser will be converted to a K-9 unit vehicle.

Supervisors approved the arrangements at their meeting Monday.