New Rolling Meadows police dog hits the streets
In eight months on the job, new Rolling Meadows Mayor Len Prejna has sworn in a new aldermen and firefighters, but he admits the swearing-in ceremony of a new member of the police department at a city council meeting Tuesday was a little different.
Amid barking police dogs from area departments, Prejna read the oath to Rolling Meadows' first police dog in four years, Scar, a 2½-year-old Belgian Malinois/German shepherd mix.
Named for the scar on his paw, Scar underwent six weeks of intense training with his handler, officer Chris Don, at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana. Police Chief John Nowacki decided to bring back the police dog program, saying a dog could improve searches, increase officer safety when dealing with dangerous suspects, and promote positive community relations.
"It really raises the level of service we can provide to the residents of Rolling Meadows," Nowacki said.
Scar will continue his training with dogs from other departments, including Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village and Palatine.