Purdue police add second K-9 to roster
Macho, a 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd shown here with his handler, officer Gabe Argerbright, is the newest addition to the Purdue University police force. Macho is trained in explosives detection and joins Nicky, a Dutch shepherd trained in narcotics detection, on the PUPD roster. (Purdue Univesity photo/Andy Hancock)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University's police department has added a second K-9 to its force thanks to help from the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office.
Macho, a 2-year-old Dutch shepherd, joined the force in June, courtesy of $16,000 from the prosecutor's office's forfeitures and diversion funds. No tax dollars were used. The dog and his handler, officer Gabe Argerbright, attended a five-week, 200-hour training course at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., before Macho became an active member of the force.
"As has been shown, in many cases and communities, K-9 units do make a significant difference in fighting crime," said Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Pat Harrington. "Anything we can do to help our local law enforcement solve crimes makes our job easier and our streets safer. We're happy we can help."
Macho joins Nicky, a now 4-year-old Dutch shepherd, on the force. Nicky was added to the force in spring 2008 and is trained in narcotics detection. Macho is trained to detect explosives. Both dogs also are trained in tracking and apprehending people.
"We were able to fulfill one need with Nicky, and now we're able to fill another with Macho," said police Chief John Cox. "There are times when a backpack, package or something is left somewhere odd for whatever reason -- it could be just accidentally left -- but we still have to check it out to ensure safety. Before, when we needed a dog trained to sniff out explosives, we had to go through the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department or elsewhere in the state. So, Macho will help tremendously, and we're very thankful to Prosecutor Harrington."
Argerbright and his new partner are members of the Metro K-9 unit and will be used as needed in Tippecanoe County, as well. Dutch shepherds are commonly used as police dogs, Cox said.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Sources: John Cox, 765-494-8221, jkcox@purdue.edu
Pat Harrington, pharrington@tippecanoe.in.gov