FDL Police Introduce New K9

The Fond du Lac Police Department formally introduced the newest member of the K9 Unit Wednesday. Officer Ben Hardgrove brought in the German Shepherd, named Sam. 

Hardgrove has experience handling a K-9, after receiving his first assignment in 2007. He hopes his experience in training will help with Sam’s improvement. Hardgrove tells us “It’s a nice challenge and the experience is great to have because I know what to expect. And I would like to think with my experience, getting him to that level I retired my last dog at, will happen faster. Because I have that knowledge and I know, I’m not learning myself how to be a dog handler, I’m just trying to train this dog to be as good as the last one if not better.”

Sam is a certified dual purpose patrol and narcotics detection dog. He is trained to detect illegal drugs – but is also prepared to track down missing people or criminals – and also defend his handler.