One Avon police officer is embarking on a new journey on the job.
The Avon Police Department just introduced its newest addition, with hopes that the four-legged officer can help ease some troubled minds during an unprecedented year.
K-9 Hunter, a British Field Lab, is twenty months old and joined the force in May, according to an Avon Police Department news release issued Tuesday (October 6). He joined Officer Jessica Zuk, who has worked with Lorain County schools for years.
Mayor Bryan Jensen and Superintendent Michael Laub were “both on board immediately,” according to the release. “With the ongoing pandemic and the increased stresses put on our students and families, K-9 Hunter can provide a positive diversion for everyone.”
Mike Watkins, owner of Mike Watkins K-9 in North Ridgeville, proposed the Avon Police Department swear in a K-9 officer that can help in schools and community events, the release explained.
The Avon Police Department agreed with the idea. So, Watkins donated Hunter — who might not be perceived as a traditional police dog — to the police department. The department covered Hunter’s equipment and training. Zuk and Hunter trained with Watkins, earning special purpose Narcotics Detection and Tracking OPOTA certification, the release states.
Hunter will also be trained as a Therapy K-9.
“As an agency that embraces community engagement, we realize a therapy dog could be a beneficial tool to serve our citizens in a unique way,” the Avon Police Department said.
Zuk and Hunter have started making a few friends in the school system, the Avon Police Department noted, and will continue greeting the community once it's safe to visit senior centers and make other community appearances.
Photos: Avon Police Department