Cal U. K-9 to get bite suit donation from former chief
FREDERICKTOWN – The chief of the East Bethlehem Township police department, who spent his last day on the job Monday after the department was disbanded, will be donating a bite vest he used when training with his canine partner to California University of Pennsylvania’s K-9 unit.
In June, the township commissioners announced the decision to disband the department to save money. The township entered into a contract with Centerville Borough to provide coverage.
Chief Mark Pompe said the money to purchase the suit he used when training with his former K-9, Thor, was raised in a fundraiser held by his daughter, Samantha Hayges, several years ago.
“She went to Cal U. and became familiar with the dog while working at Clover Hill Vet,” Pompe said. “She wanted them to have it.”
Pompe said the bite suit is used in training.
“Usually another K-9 officer will wear it because that officer will know how to work the dog,” Pompe said. “The dog being worked will be sent out to track the scent.”
“I’d use the suit when Thor and I would train with other K-9 officers from other departments, including Cal U.,” he added. “People don’t realize the hours in training to keep the dog current, but it is fun.”
Bas, a Belgian Malinois, became the first K-9 on the university’s police department in 2014. His handler is Sgt Robert Kwiatkowski.
The K-9 has proved to be an effective public relations tool for the university, in addition to his other duties.
“Students seem to be more comfortable talking to an officer with his dog,” said Christine Kindl, associate vice president for communications and public relations at the school. “He is also an additional component for community policing.”
Thor retired from service several years ago, Pompe said.
“He is still good at what he is trained to do,” Pompe said Monday.
Pompe, who joined the department in August 2007 as a part-time officer before working his way through the ranks as captain and chief, said he is working as an officer at Washington Health System. He plans on keeping his municipal police officer certification.
Before he finished his shift Monday, Pompe said he planned to visit businesses and some residents to say goodbye.
“I can’t thank everyone enough,” Pompe said.