Hutchinson’s newest police officer was introduced to the public Thursday morning at the Reno County Courthouse.
While he didn’t have much to say, Tank, an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd cross, did provide a few autographs – in the form of stamped paw prints – and demonstrated his skills.
Issued badge number 109, K-9 Officer Tank also already has his own Instagram page, @hpdk9tank.
Since the day he started as Hutchinson’s new police chief, said Chief Jeffery Hooper, he’s frequently heard concerns about Hutchinson’s drug problems. Having witnessed the impact of a K-9 program in Riley County, where they have two dogs, he planned to implement such a program here.
Because of the cost, however, he figured it would take at least a year to do. Then he was approached by Patrol Officer James “Jimmy” Sanders, who told him a lot of officers were interested in it and suggested the department start a program. He told the officer “go for it,” Hooper said.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)