Russell T. Kleber, Chief of Police
280 Exchange St.
Athol, MA 01331
For Immediate Release
Monday, March 12, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Athol Police K-9 Unit Completes Advanced Drug Training
ATHOL — Chief Russell Kleber is pleased to announce that the Athol Police Department’s K-9 “Gronk” and his handler, Officer Craig Deveneau, recently completed a narcotic detection course offered by the Boston Police Department.
Officer Deveneau and Gronk officially graduated from the extensive 240-hour, six-week long course on Friday, March 6 with high honors. As part of the advanced drug training program, Officer Deveneau and Gronk traveled throughout the state practicing building and vehicle searches for illegal narcotics at various locations.
Completing the course certifies Gronk as a dual-purpose K-9, meaning that he can work in patrol and narcotics.
“I am proud of the hard work and dedication that both Officer Deveneau and Gronk have put into this course over the last several weeks,” Chief Kleber said. “This advanced training will be a valuable tool in helping the Athol community combat the opioid epidemic and keep our residents safe.”
In addition to narcotics detection, Gronk and Officer Deveneau will play a key part in the Athol Keeping Innocents Defended and Safe (KIDS) program.
Gronk came to the Athol Police Department through the Stanton Foundation last April, and will be two years old next month.
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