Hemet police welcome new K9 partner to the force
HEMET – Police Officer Patrick Long has a string of scars along his arm, all reminders of former K9 partner Rex’s ferocity in battle.
Now Long is welcoming new partner Niko, a high-energy Belgian malinois. The pair will join Officer Mike Arellano and his dog Fritz on the Hemet Police Department’s K9 unit.
“He just wants to go, go, go,” said Long, who is bracing for a five-week training course starting Monday in Cherry Valley. “I know I’m going to come home bruised.”
Niko hails from Europe. His Greek name means “victory of the people.”
“It seemed to fit him, so we stuck with it,” Capt. Rob Webb said.
Niko replaces Luca, who died recently from an immune disease. Luca, alongside former handler Officer Sean Lawlor, apprehended a dozen felony suspects and forced nearly two dozen other surrenders.
After hearing that Luca died, Hemet residents Hal and Ellen Day stepped up with a $15,000 donation so Hemet police could purchase and train another dog.
Hal Day, an 80-year-old Navy veteran of three wars, said Hemet police were always there to help Ellen, who suffers from dementia, when she got disoriented, lost or needed assistance. The couple decided to show their gratitude with the donation.
“Ellen and I always talked about buying a dog for the police,” Hal Day said.
“She has always loved dogs.”
The Days, other individuals and organizations such as the Hemet Elks Lodge have contributed more than $34,000 to help pay for training, equipping a K9 vehicle and other expenses.
Long and Niko, along with Arellano and Fritz, visited an assisted living facility Tuesday where they befriended Ellen and were a big hit with other residents, Long said.
Niko already has demonstrated considerable agility, strength, a tremendous “play drive” and a friendly disposition that has won over many officers, Long said.
Now it’s time to sharpen Niko’s skills pursuing criminals and conducting searches.
“That’s the ‘prey drive,’ where they’re going after the bad guys,” Long said.
No comments yet.
