TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Terre Haute Police Department have added two new dogs to its K9 Unit.
Simba and Pito are dual purpose dogs with THPD handling both normal patrol duties and narcotics work. These additions make it so the department now has a pouch ready to pounce on every shift.
THPD Public Information Officer Lt. Justin Sears said these K9s are one of their most important assets.
“These dogs have skills that we use to save officer’s lives and members of the community’s lives,” said Sears. “We also use them for community events too because everybody loves K9s.”
Catching drug dealers and fighting crime is just part of the battle for the four-legged officers. They also are a big hit in the community.
“Our community embraces our K9 unit from donations, overall support, and just wanting to see the dogs,” said Sears. “That helps build the relationship between the police department and the community.”
Sears said you can meet the new officers without committing any crimes. They attend about 200 community events each year.
