PHOTOS: With a Paw Print, Townsend Police Department Officially Swears First K9 Officer
The Townsend Police Department’s newest officer followed along to the recitation of her oath of office, pressed her paw into ink, and left a paw mark on a copy of the oath to make it official.
Officer Dylan Silvestri holds Officer Ruby as the K9 is officially sworn in to the Townsend Police Department by Townsend Town Clerk Harrison Mayotte on Tuesday at Town Hall. Officer Silvestri becomes the Townsend Police Department’s first K9 handler, and Officer Ruby becomes the department’s first K9. The two will undergo tracking training once Officer Ruby is older. For now, the 13-week-old bloodhound puppy is undergoing basic obedience training in preparation for a dual role as a tracking K9 and community service dog. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
TOWNSEND — The Townsend Police Department’s newest officer followed along to the recitation of her oath of office, pressed her paw into ink, and left a paw mark on a copy of the oath to make it official.
On Tuesday night at Town Hall, the Townsend Police Department swore in its first-ever K9 officer, Officer Ruby, who was held by her handler, Officer Dylan Silvestri.
Officer Ruby’s first assignment afterward was to meet and greet — and sniff — about 30 community members she will protect and serve. She also posed for photos and licked a few faces.
The 13-week-old bloodhound, bred by Bluegrass Bloodhounds, in Kentucky, is currently undergoing basic obedience training. She will be trained to track and locate people as well. She will serve the Townsend Police Department as both a tracking dog and as a community resource, attending community events and building relationships with residents.
Officer Ruby was provided to Townsend Police for free by Northeast Houndsmen of Athol, which assists communities by training dogs and their handlers to excel in the rescue and recovery of those in need.
Generous community members and businesses are paying all of Officer Ruby’s costs, including food and veterinary bills. Officer Ruby will live at home with Officer Silvestri and his family.
Officer Ruby was sworn in by Town Clerk Harrison Mayotte, who adapted the oath with canine references.
“Townsend is an incredibly generous community. Their support means Officer Ruby serves at no cost to taxpayers,” said Chief James Sartell. “We wanted to have residents and community members get to know her as she begins her career. We’re looking forward to many more community events where Officer Ruby can spread good cheer and help those in need of support.”
Officer Ruby left her paw print on an oath of officer that included the pledge “With floppy ears and a nose ready for the job, I accept my badge and my responsibility.” (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
Following her swearing in, Officer Ruby and her Handler, Officer Silvestri, took time to meet and greet approximately 30 people who attended the public event. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
Don’t let her face fool you. Officer Ruby is an energetic and friendly puppy, who was drawn to all those in the room at her swearing in. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
Officer Ruby presses her face to the face of a resident who greeted her following the swearing in. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
Those in attendance to meet Officer Ruby each got a sniff and a welcome chance to pet the Townsend Police Department’s newest member. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
Officer Ruby is still undergoing basic obedience training, but she already appeared eager to begin leading the way. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
Officer Dylan Silvestri gives Officer Ruby some belly scratches while introducing her to the Townsend community on Tuesday night. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)
Officer Ruby and Officer Silvestri both made a point of posing for photos with residents who attended to get to know Ruby. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)