ALBANY—The New York State Police held a graduation ceremony for its 2014 Canine Handler Basic School at the New York State Police Academy, November 20.
Among the 14 graduates were Trooper Ryan L. Edmundson of the Livingston State Police barracks and his canine partner, Lord, named for the late John G. Lord.
The canines and their handlers underwent 20 weeks of training at the New York State Police Canine Training Facility in Cooperstown. During the training, students and their partners received instruction in basic obedience, agility, handler protection, building searches, explosives or narcotics detection, tracking for fugitives and lost or missing persons, basic veterinary care and land navigation and grid searches.
The current strength of the State Police Canine Unit is 81 teams, including the recent graduates. During the first 10 months of 2014 the members of the Division Canine Unit responded to 3,150 calls for service. This class of handlers and their canines went on patrol starting the week of November 24.
All canines that are part of the Division Canine Unit are donated through the generosity of breeders, private individuals and humane societies. All canines are put through extensive testing and evaluation prior to assignment in the Canine Basic Handler’s School. State Police canines are named after members killed in the line of duty.
Troopers join in toy collection
PLEASANT VALLEY—State Police from Troop K have joined forces with the United States Marine Corps to make this holiday season enjoyable for less fortunate children in our community.
Troop K is currently collecting new, unwrapped toys at all 18 stations throughout four counties, including at the Livingston barracks in Columbia County at 3353 Route 9. The toy drive has been extended by a week.
On December 19, at 10 a.m., the U.S. Marine Corps will be at Troop K headquarters to collect the donated toys and distribute them to local children so they can experience the joy of Christmas.
For more information about Toys for Tots or to make a monetary donation, visit www.toysfortots.org
