Fox Lake, meet your new canine cop

Fox Lake residents are excited to meet their newest police officer.

After all, they raised the money, $10,000, to bring him to town.

Indy, Fox Lake's new canine officer, is already working the streets to repay those residents.

"I think the only way we got him was because the community was involved and was so great in getting it to happen," said Officer Rob Lewis, Indy's partner.

Village residents and officers became attached to the department's canine officer, Grimm, who came in 2001 and worked beside Michael Behan, who now serves as chief.

Grimm was certified to detect 13 different types of drugs and track scents of suspects and children. Behan recalls Grimm's first day, when he helped track a 3-year-old missing boy who had walked to his grandma's house.

Another time, he followed a scent 3 miles through fields to help officers capture a hit and run suspect.

"We can put 25 officers out there and not be in the right direction, but with a dog and two officers you can be in the right direction," Behan said.

Grimm also was often seen visiting schools, at senior centers and neighborhood meetings and along for the Shop with a Cop program.

But in 2005, Grimm was diagnosed with cancer. He died in March 2007. Behan said it was the people who loved him who in Grimm's memory wanted to bring another canine dog to Fox Lake. Within nine months, grooming stores, senior citizens, those who take part in the citizens police academy and village residents raised $10,000. Behan calls that a phenomenal effort.

"I urge other communities to do the same to increase public safety," Behan said.

Imported from Germany last May, Indy is the village's first AKC registered canine. This is a good asset, Lewis said, because he is registered full breed, which allows the chance to breed him and keep the blood line with the village.

Lewis, who worked as a Fox Lake patrol officer for six and a half years, was excited when given the chance to work with Indy.

"I've always wanted to be a cop and love dogs, I've always wanted to do that," he said.

Like Grimm, Indy is trained to detect narcotics and tracking, whether it be a lost child or a suspect.

"Every town in the U.S. will have some sort of drug problem. Having a dog to curtail some of that is a great tool, a proven tool as well," he said.

Indy was put into action his first night out and did a couple searches. While he didn't directly take part in an arrest, Lewis said the first person who saw the dog surrendered quickly.

"On his first attempt out, he was successful, so it validated everything we had been working toward and all the work we had done," he said.

The biggest challenge is getting Indy out in the field as often as possible, and Lewis said that is still in process.

"It's a huge challenge, one that we're overcoming I believe. We've got everybody on board, and they want to use him as much as I want to use him," he said.

One benefit Indy has not even broached yet is community awareness. Behan said he wants to get Indy into the same programs that Grimm was involved in in schools, neighborhoods and senior centers. The residents put their hearts out for him, and they all need to see him. His trainer will determine when he can be introduced to the public.

"This is their dog. He will follow in Grimm's footsteps," Behan said.

Even though he is not trained in protection or aggression, Indy is loyal. Lewis said when the squad car lights go on and they pull over a vehicle or assist another officer, Indy knows it's time to go to work.

"When we are in the squad car together and somebody approaches the squad car, you'll hear a different side of him, that's for sure," he said.

While Indy's vet and other costs are covered by the village, he lives with Lewis. That also meant introducing Indy to his 9-year-old Shetland sheepdog, which he's had since he was a puppy. Lewis said the dog did not take too kindly to Indy at first, but they now play together.

"He does look sad when I leave with Indy, but he gets over it right when I pop back in the house," he said.

Lewis said he would like to thank the community and hopes he gets the chance to do so for bringing Indy to Fox Lake.

"He is going to be a huge asset," he said. "He has already made a place in my heart and my household."