Fruitland PD shows off K-9 protection system

Many people have heard the tragedies about leaving children and animals in hot cars. However for law enforcement, this is sometimes necessary with their K-9.

47 ABC went to the Fruitland Police Department Thursday and learned how they protect their dog from overheating. Their K-9’s name is Astra. She and her partner of five years Officer First Class Andy Will are so close she’s tattooed on his arm.  She’s always by his side, and if not, she’s in their patrol car,

Officer First Class Will says,”People just don’t understand how fast the vehicle heats up inside. It doesn’t take long for the dog to overheat and basically pass away from heat exhaustion.”

There have been many cases this summer. A K-9 in Wisconsin died after the air conditioning stopped working in a patrol car and the backup K-9 alarm failed.

A dog from a Georgia police department, according to CNN, died after being left in the car for more than ten hours. Authorities there are investigating if the backup failed as well. In Texas reported by USA Today, a deputy was fired in a case of neglect after his k-9 died in a vehicle.That man could face charges for the death.

However in Fruitland, they have a program in place they say protect their animals. It’s called the criminal logistics system.   

Officer First Class Will says, “It’s got the red indicator light on it.”

When the officer leaves the vehicle, they flip a switch which keeps the car cool. However if it fails, the windows come down and a fan begins to blow to keep the K-9 cool. A pager goes off to alert the officer.

Officer First Class Will goes on, “You’re in a panic to check on him and just pray to God they’re still standing up looking at you when you open the door.”

This has actually happened to Officer First Class Will. He was responding to a call in the hospital when his patrol vehicle’s air conditioning failed. He tells us the system works, believing it can definitely save a dog’s life. However, he notes someone should never solely rely on it. 

Officer First Class Will says, “You still have to check it because again technology does fail.”

For those interested in seeing what a K-9 can do, the Worcester County Sheriff’s office is actually hosting a demonstration at 12 o’clock at the Tractor Supply Store in Berlin for anyone interested in seeing them in action.