Officer Ruby: Townsend Police Department Introduces its Newest Member

Officer Ruby, a 10-week-old Bloodhound, has joined the Townsend Police Department, and will grow to become a tracking dog as a well as a community relations officer. Thanks to the generosity of several businesses and families in the Townsend community, Officer Ruby was added to the department at no cost to taxpayers. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)

TOWNSEND — Chief James Sartell is pleased to introduce the newest member of the Townsend Police Department and to announce that, thanks to the generosity of the community, Officer Ruby has joined the force at no cost to taxpayers.

Officer Ruby is a 10-week-old Bloodhound who was born and raised by Bluegrass Bloodhounds in Kentucky. The cost of obtaining Officer Ruby from the breeder was paid for by Northeast Houndsmen, an Athol-based organization that exists to assist communities by training dogs and their handlers to excel in the rescue or recovery of those in need.

As she grows, Officer Ruby will receive basic obedience training, and will make public appearances at community events with Townsend Police. Later, she will receive specific tracking training and earn certifications in tracking.

Officer Ruby will have a dual role with the Townsend Police Department, serving as both a tracking dog and as a community relations resource, much like so-called Comfort Dogs, which build community relations and help put those experiencing traumatic situations at ease.

“Once she is fully grown, Officer Ruby will serve as both a certified tracking dog and as a community resource that can help build positive relationships for the Townsend Police Department,” said Chief Sartell.

In addition to paying for the cost of obtaining Officer Ruby from the breeder, Northeast Houndsmen also contributed $2,000 to Townsend Police to pay for miscellaneous equipment Officer Ruby will need.

Before attempting to start a K9 Unit, the Townsend Police Department did community outreach to gauge support for the idea. The department was overwhelmed by the response.

Best Friends Veterinary Hospital of Townsend has donated veterinary services to Officer Ruby. Harbor Auto Body, Cota’s Auto Repair, and Evans on the Common have also made significant contributions to the program, as have several individuals and families in Townsend. One family donated all of Officer Ruby’s food for a year.

As a result, Officer Ruby and the entire Townsend Police Department K9 Program are being added to the department at no cost to taxpayers.

“We were completely overwhelmed by the community’s response when we floated the idea of launching a K9 program,” said Chief Sartell. “The Townsend community’s generous support for this idea is what made everything possible, and we could not be more grateful to our residents and business owners for their continued support and faith.”

To learn more about Northeast Houndsmen, visit: https://www.northeasthoundsmen.com/.