(July 2, Springfield Township, Hamilton County, OH) Springfield Township proudly welcomes its newest canine, Pako, to the police force. The one year-old German Shepard, born in the Czech Republic and raised in Holland, was carefully selected by the Springfield Township Police Department and donated by the Matt Haverkamp Foundation as part of its charitable contributions. Pako began work with his assigned officer, Jim Scheeler, early last week.
 
Officer Scheeler and Pako just completed a 14-week training program hosted by the City of Cincinnati Police Department. Pako is now certified as both a patrol and narcotics detection canine through the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy. “He will make a fine addition to the force,” Springfield Township Police Chief Robert Browder said of the newest K-9, adding that Pako is the second dual trained canine currently on staff.
 
Trustee Gwen McFarlin thanked the Matt Haverkamp Foundation and the City of Cincinnati for their support. The Matt Haverkamp Foundation was established in 2005 to continue the legacy of a local canine police officer who passed away in a car accident. The foundation supports law enforcement agencies in communities in and around the greater Cincinnati area. Its annual 5-K and golf outing, along with public and private donations, have raised over $177,000 to purchase twenty-eight canine dogs for various police departments over the past nine years. The City of Cincinnati hosted training for all recipients this year. McFarlin commented, “Through the training and financial support provided, the Springfield Township Police Department was able to bring Pako to the department at no cost. We are sincerely grateful and look forward to putting our new officer to work in the community.”
 
The Township has experienced great success with police dogs over the years. They have been credited with locating missing persons, tracking criminals, unearthing evidence and discovering illegal substances. They are an invaluable resource to multiple departments, as they are often called for mutual aid.  To learn more about the Springfield Township Police Department, visit www.springfieldtwp.org.