Yesterday I attended the graduation of three new Reading Police K-9 Officers (pictured above). For me it was a treat to see this come to fruition. I have been a huge supporter of having K-9’s in action helping the citizens of Reading. This was the second graduation class of three dogs and police officers.
The Reading K-9 Police now have the first woman K-9 Officer- Tina Fallistich with her dog Max. Max, as stated by Officer Jim Howe during the presentation, is a “mama’s boy”. I asked Officer Fallistich if that was true (which by the way seemed quite evident), she said , “yes, just a bit”.
Reading also has their first Latino K-9 Officer- Hector Santiago and his dog, Caine. Officer Santiago showed me a few scars acquired during their training from the other dogs even though he wore protective gear when he was “bit” by one of the dogs. Officer Santiago was the “decoy” or as I called him the “bad guy” quite a bit at yesterday’s demonstration. Trust me, these three officers have worked hard to train these dogs and it shows!
Officer Eric Goudy and his partner Reno also graduated yesterday. During the ceremony, Reno was a bit vocal, let’s say. He seemed he wanted to “talk” quite a bit. Officer Jim Howe explained that Officer Goudy and Reno had been away on vacation for a week and a half just prior to the graduation. I think Reno probably wanted to go back to having only fun.
Did you know all of these dogs live with their handlers and once they are off the clock, they are pets and act just like yours and mine? They want attention and love to play.
I want to congratulate all of the Officers and their new K-9 partners. They will keep the streets of Reading safer and we most certainly need this in this day and age. Crime is rampant and the goal is get these criminals off the street.
These K-9 Officers would not have been possible without Paulette Williams and Keith Claytor, President and Vice-President of the Friends of the Reading K-9 Unit. They started this program and I am so proud of them. I know both of these people and they won’t take the credit but if it wasn’t for them, there wouldn’t be six K-9 Officers on the streets of Reading.
They are lookng for volunteers. If you are interested in helping this great organization, please email them at readingpolicek9s@yahoo.com.