The dog, named Idus, was obtained locally in German Township from a K9 trainer who brought him to the states from Germany, September 11, 2017. The 2-year-old German Shepherd was purchased for around $18,000, strictly from donations.
The German Township Police Department began accepting pledges to begin a canine program.
“Our generous community of contributors eclipsed that figure within three weeks,” said German Township Police Chief Joseph Andzik.
TRENDING: Teachers with guns? Some Ohio districts arm staff but don’t tell public
“It is because of the generosity of those who recognized the need for such a tool, and donated, that we were able to begin our program, and we are very appreciative of our supporters,” Andzik said. “The members of the German Township Police Department want to serve this community to the best of our ability and this community-wide effort gives us a much-needed tool in the fight against those wishing to do harm in and around our community.”
Idus is a “dual purpose” K9 certified in narcotics detection as well as patrol work. The sections of patrol work include suspect apprehension, articles searches and tracking.
Andzik, Sgt. Shane Birch and Officer Dylan Jones went to view Idus to make a decision on whether he was the dog they wanted for the program. Jones, at that time, had his day off and brought his 4-year-old son along to see how Idus interacted with him.
Being a toy driven dog, everything Idus does revolves around his toy: a rubber ball on a rope.
“We had never seen a dog so focused on something,” said Jones. “All Idus wants and cares about is that ball on a rope. Chief Andzik, Sergeant Birch and I had met Idus on a couple of times prior to this day, and Idus would never allow us to even get close to his toy.”
Idus and his owner/trainer were the only two that Idus would let touch the ball.
“Idus showed little interest at first and remained focused on that ball,” Jones said. “After about 5 minutes Idus walks up to my little boy and gently laid the ball at my little boy’s feet. I knew then that this was the dog for German Township. I believe Idus reflects our community, strong but kind.”
TRENDING: Drinking this type of tea could ruin your teeth, study says
Jones assumes the care for Idus from feeding and grooming to weekly training. They began working together after certification with the State of Ohio in early January. The Canine Team works five eight-hour shifts a month, often as a second unit, occasionally covering 12-hour shifts when other officers request time off.
Idus spends his off time with Jones, his wife and son.
“K9 Idus has had a warm welcome from our community,” said Andzik. “I believe about everyone around our Township is 100 percent in favor of such a resource keeping them safe.”
Founded in 1803, German Township went from the Miami River to the Indiana State Line, and from the Butler County Line to approximately 5 miles south of the Miami County Line. Many townships were carved out of it in the early 1800s, as was Preble County. German Township is now approximately 36 square miles, located in the southwest corner of Montgomery County.
In earlier years, German Township was patrolled by a constable. In 1970-71, the Board of Trustees developed rules, regulations and job descriptions that would lead to the German Township Police Department.
TRENDING: 5 officials hospitalized after jail inmate brings in ‘potential chemical substance’
Today, the police department is comprised of a chief of police, a sergeant, four full-time officers and as many as 12 reserve officers. The Department has four police cruisers and two unmarked vehicles, and now a K-9 Unit.
The German Township Police Department notes that it is the smallest accredited agency in the world through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
About the Author