Grade-schooler names Hanover Park police dog

The Hanover Park Police Department has chosen the name Ajax for its new canine from among more than 250 suggestions.

The winning name was submitted by Cassidy Saez, who is in Dawn Czajka's 5th grade class at Hanover Highland Elementary School and by Hanover Park resident Mike Murray.

A survey was conducted by the police department at each school and a link was created on the village website for residents to submit a name. Each name was considered by a panel of department members.

Ajax is currently in a canine academy with Officer Mark Atkinson and will work with Atkinson when the academy is completed in June.

Chief David Webb said that community involvement in choosing a name reinforces the department's commitment to forging a strong partnership with the residents and schools.