Fruitland Police Department's K-9 Has A Big Bite, But Bigger Hea - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

FRUITLAND, Md. - Officer First Class Andy Will and his dog Astra are a crime fighting duo. This two-year-old Belgian Malinois joined the Fruitland Police Department almost a year ago, and is the first canine on the force.

"She is a dual purpose canine, which is narcotics and patrol. They're a little on the crazy side," said Officer Will.

We heard Astra's bite was brutal. So our intern Greg Weston was brave enough to lend her an arm. It looked bad, but he got away with only a few scratches.

"When she looks into your eyes, you start getting a little timid because you can tell she's not going to let go until the deed is done," said Weston.

However, her nose is stronger than her bite.

"We got a call to a vehicle scan. The subject had ran and fled from the vehicle. We recovered a large amount of cocaine and so far that's been the most memorable," said Officer Will.

The growling, drooling drug sniffing dog has a soft side. Astra is apart of Officer Will's big happy family: three kids, three dogs and a cat.

"I got to watch my wife sometimes because she will have her on the couch in the living room all covered up with the blanket. She likes to snuggle with you," he said.

She is a loving family member, that knows when it's time to get to work.

Fruitland Police are hoping to get another canine, and are hosting a Crab Feast Fundraiser on September 8th at the Salisbury Moose Lodge. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $12.50 for kids 12 and under. Just call the Fruitland Police Department at 410-548-2803 for more information.