HOLBROOK — Chief William Smith is pleased to welcome the newest K-9 unit to the Holbrook Police Department.
K-9 Jan is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, originally from the Netherlands. He comes to Holbrook from Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania, through a grant from the Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog organization.
K-9 Jan graduated from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department K-9 program on Jan. 3, and is currently serving Holbrook Police as a patrol K-9. He will be returning to the program to attend narcotics school in the fall in order to become a dual purpose K-9.
Two previous K-9s, Bo and Charlie, recently retired from the Holbrook Police Department, and Jan will be responsible for both of their duties, including drug enforcement, search and rescue, and apprehending fleeing subjects.
K-9 Jan will be partnered with Officer Casey Surprenant, who previously worked closely with Law Enforcement K-9s with the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team.
“The K-9 unit brings benefits to the police department and our community alike,” Officer Surprenant said. “K-9 Jan is not only seen as a police officer, but as an ambassador for the department. He will be appearing at community events to hopefully to help break down barriers between the police and residents.”
Holbrook’s K-9 program began in 2012, when K-9 Bo was partnered with Officer Joshua Knowlton. K-9 Bo retired last August after more than six years of service, and K-9 Charlie retired last October.
###