PEPPERELL — The Pepperell Police Department announced they will be adding their first police dog to the agency next week and they need some help naming the department’s newest member.
“We are excited to welcome our newest officer, and hope that our community will help us choose a name that best fits him,” said Pepperell Police Chief David Scott in a press release.
The K-9 is a 2-year-old German shepherd that is set to arrive next week. He will spend the next few months getting used to his new surroundings, which will include living with the department’s chosen K-9 handler, Officer Dan Adams.
In March, the pair will attend a 14-week training program at the Boston Police Academy.
“A K-9 unit can be a huge asset to a department, especially when we are looking for a missing person or a suspect who fled a scene,” Scott said in the release. “We also hope the K-9 will help us further connect with our community.”
Scott also thanked the Stanton Foundation, which provided a grant to address the start-up costs for the police dog.
Police said the Stanton Foundation will pay an initial $32,000 toward the costs of a kennel, refurbishing a cruiser and other initial expenses. Additional money will be awarded to the Pepperell Police Department as training is completed.
Those interested in submitting a name suggestion can do so by visiting ppdnews.org/k9.
The contest is open-ended until the dog arrives, according to information provided by John Guilfoil Public Relations on behalf of the Pepperell Police Department. As of Thursday afternoon, there have been 349 submissions.
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