BOULDER, Colo. — The Boulder Police Department (BPD) is launching a new police dog unit.
BPD Chief Maris Herold and City Manager Nuria Riviera-Vandermyde approved the creation of this new team, the city announced Wednesday. BPD said a "generous gift from a community member" helped to fund the K9 program.
The first K9 on the team will be a one-and-a-half year old female lab and shorthaired pointer mix named Astro.
Astro will be an explosives detection and community engagement dog, BPD said. Astro was sworn in Wednesday afternoon and the new team will spend several weeks training together.
The department said Astro’s name also has a special meaning as fallen BPD officer Eric Talley’s favorite sports team was the Houston Astros. The name also reminds others of the celestial stars and heavens, reminiscent of Talley’s strong faith.
“We all know Boulder is dog friendly city and I’m sure the community will welcome her like we have. This K9 team will be a great asset to the city and help us in keeping the public safe,” Herold said. “Our new dog was made possible by the generosity of the community and their support for all of the great work our officers do every day.”
Boulder Police has not had a police K9 in more than 20 years. The department said the new team will help with calls regarding firearms, explosives and other gun-related crimes. They will also be at community engagement events.
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