Indiana Borough Police introduced their newest K-9 officer this morning who looks to show two of the three parts of the mission of police department: Peace and comfort.
Axel, a 14-month old Black Mouth Cur, will serve the police department as part of their new Comfort K-9 program. He was rescued from a kill shelter in Kentucky by Cross Your Paws Animal Rescue of North Huntingdon and will partner with Officer Jeffrey Hoag as he goes through his training and time with the Indiana Borough Police Department. Unlike other K-9 officers like those with the Homer City Police Department, the Indiana County Sheriffs and State Police, Axel will be a therapy dog to help officers and the public alike in traumatic events. In fact in the last few days, Chief Justin Schawl said that Axel has already started work.
Axel
Axel with Officer Hoag
Photos provided by Indiana Borough Police
Over the next few months, Axel will undergo training with Mutts of Merit to attain K-9 Good Citizen Certification and other training with the police department and get to know his beat before he is sworn in. Schawl said one important point of Axel’s training also happens to be something important for human officers.
Outside of assisting at scenes of traumatic events, Axel will take part in therapy dog events, community events and possibly some events at local schools. He will continue to live with the Hoags when he is off duty and after his retirement.
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