Do you think you have the perfect name for a police dog?
The Frederick Police Department is asking for the public's help naming the newest member of its force, a 15-month-old Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd crossbreed.
The Frederick Police Department is re-establishing its K-9 unit starting with the dog selected recently by Officer Ian Austin from F.M.K9 in Berrien Center, Michigan. The dog will be trained as a dual-purpose patrol and narcotics-detection K-9.
Born on November 30, 2019, in Poland, the dog now needs a name, and the department is taking suggestions from the public on its website. The only rules are that suggested names should be one or two syllables and may not be violent or inappropriate.
Officer Austin, who joined the Frederick Police Department in September 2020, tested 12 dogs before selecting the dog that's a perfect fit for the department. He said he looked for a dog that had characteristics relating to courage and sociability. The dog is expected to weigh between 80–90 pounds when fully grown.
Officer Ian Austin with Frederick's newest team member; Courtesy of Town of Frederick (website), Photo by Zach Mahone
"I'm excited we are bringing back our K-9 program to Frederick," said Frederick Chief of Police Todd Norris. "It's been three years since the retirement of our previous K-9, Buran."
Norris said the K-9 program will foster community relations and improve safety for the department's officers, as well as bringing back vital education demonstrations during community events. The dog will be introduced to the public on May 15 at the department's annual Fishing Clinic and DIY Day.
Meanwhile, the dog is acclimating to his new home in Frederick and bonding with Officer Austin, the department said. Together, they will complete 8 weeks of training with a local K-9 unit before their official patrol assignment begins.
Officer Austin has more than 10 years of K-9 experience as a Sargent in Adams County and is a trainer instructor with certifications from the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).