Schaumburg shows off K9 Thunder, complete with bullet-,stab-proof vest
Nearly a year after the retirement of Cliff, the Schaumburg police department has a full eight paws at work again in its K9 division.
Thunder is the new German Shepherd who's joined the force, and Officer Bruce Cram is his handler.
Born Aug. 8, 2007, Thunder has spent significant time since then being trained in the particulars of his new duties.
Unlike some other dogs the department has used that were born and trained in Germany, Thunder will receive his commands from Officer Cram in English.
Thunder was introduced to the village at this week's village board meeting, wearing the bulletproof and stab-resistant vest provided by Palos Heights-based Illinois Vest-a-Dog.
Volunteer Hal Harrington said Thunder is the 307th dog his organization has outfitted with the lifesaving vest.
At $825, the dog vests cost nearly twice as much as their human equivalents, but funds were privately raised for Thunder by Kim and Rick Seaberg.
Since Cliff's retirement at age 9, Schaumburg's K9 duties have been filled exclusively by Bosco and his handler, Officer Stewart Wing. The department strives to have two dogs in service most of the time.