New additions to the Bridgeport Police Department can generally be expected to look the part of the job. Next month, however, expect Chief John Walker to make an exception.

 

Two new additions are coming to the staff. Chances are good they won’t be wearing a proper uniform – if any at all – and their breath may not be up to par all time. On top of that, there’s always the outside chance that their hair not be perfect and cut to the desired length of the department.

 

Of course, the standards change when you’re not talking about additions of the human variety to the Bridgeport Police staff. According to Walker, more than likely next month the city staff will increase with the revival of the Bridgeport K-9 unit. 

 

“We’re in the process of acquiring the dogs for the program,” said Walker. “We’re hopeful for a start of mid to late May. Right now, we’re just waiting for dog training that has to be done.”

 

The K-9 unit with the Bridgeport Police Department goes back decades. Sgt. Randy Watkins at one time headed the duties and several others, including Scott Carpenter, have also had a canine as their partner. Most recently, Office Shaun Fleming and Gretchen (a Belgian Malinois), made up the city’s K-9 unit.

 

“Gretchen just left us and we had a really good experience with her,” said Walker.

 

When Fleming left the department, he acquired Gretchen. That’s not totally unusual as the dogs and their trainers have a bond developed in training and while on duty.

 

This time, around, however it will be different. Bridgeport isn’t just replacing Gretchen with another dog. They’re replacing Gretchen with two dogs as the unit is expanding.

 

“We’re pleased that we’re able to have two dogs and we’ll be sending staff for training with their new dogs,” said Walker. “(Officers) Scott Toothman and Matt Holley will have the dogs.”

 

The dogs are being trained in North Carolina. They’re both Labradors.

 

“You can train dogs in multiple areas, but these dogs will be focused to deal with locating drugs,” said Walker. “With issues that we’re dealing with, our department, including the MHIT (Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team that the city has staff on), regularly uses the drug dogs. These dogs will see work that could help in our battle with drugs several times a week. It’s going to be really handy for what we’re trying to do.”

 

Along with the work the dogs do, the police department has made a point of using the dogs as a public relations tool. Gretchen, in particular, worked well with the community and Walker is hoping the two new additions will also serve as an icebreaker between the police and the community – as well as with children.

 

“The drug dog has applications beyond their obvious work. It’s a good community asset as far as working with the public,” said Walker. “It’s another tool for us to use, but the main tool is to fight the war on drugs.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chief John Walker at a recent City Council meeting, while former drug  dog Gretchen and her handler Officer Shaun Fleming during a training session in 2015.