RRSpin - Keeping Lucky cool: Enfield invests in canine cooling system

Thursday, 18 August 2016 11:40

Keeping Lucky cool: Enfield invests in canine cooling system ^Featured

Written by Lance Martin

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Williams and Lucky.

The Enfield Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in Halifax County to use a system to protect its newest officer, a canine named Lucky, from the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

There are two components to the system installed in the patrol car of Corporal Ethan Williams, Lucky’s handler. One is K9 Heat Alarm Pro, which sends a constant audible alert if conditions in the officer’s car get too hot, automatically rolling down the window and turning on a fan.
The other, Chief Tyree Davis said, is the CoolCop system, which pumps cool air directly to the dog.
The alert system also functions in the winter, Davis said, sending out the same warning if conditions become too cold.
Having the system, Captain Dreher Bozard said, helps both officer and the dog. The dog stays safe on calls where its services aren’t needed. “You have that added security which makes you feel better.”

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Lucky has already proven himself to be an asset to the department, adding the discovery of a pound of pot to his resume on his first day on the job at the end of last month.
“The bonding has taken time,” Williams said. “Since I’ve taken the handling course, we’ve been steadily meshing. I rely on him and he relies on me.”
The equipment, Williams said, “Means a lot to me. There’s not a lot of agencies who have it locally. I really appreciate it. It takes a lot off my mind. I know he’ll be safe.”
Davis there was no question about purchasing the system for Lucky. “It is my duty to make sure that all my officers have the tools and training necessary to provide the highest quality of service, support and safety to the community. I am a strong believer that I am no better than my officers and my officers are no better than their training. A trained officer is a more confident and more productive officer.”
Davis said training and adding Lucky to the department was an asset to not only Enfield but to other law enforcement and communities as well. “Lucky is more than a dog or a tool to me. He is also an Enfield police officer. And just like my other officers, it is my duty to provide Lucky with the tools and training necessary to do his job to the best of his ability as well.”
Even though Enfield is the only agency in the county to have the system, its usage is widespread among other agencies.”Historically, the way canine vehicle kennels are made they reduce airflow to the back seat where the dog rides. I didn't see it as a luxury item or an option, it was a priority. I also saw it as a tool needed to help Lucky do his job and ensure his safety. You never know what might happen to a vehicle and I didn't want to wait for a dog to die before taking action. I wanted be proactive and get ahead of the problem before it was too late.”

Read 4216 times Last modified on Thursday, 18 August 2016 13:17