Reading PD K-9 Named Tango Tracks Missing Suicidal Teen

READING, MA — The Reading Police Department's new K-9 made his first successful "track," helping to rescue a juvenile in need of help last week, the department announced.

According to the Reading PD, on Feb. 13, Tango and his handler, Patrol Officer Chris Briere, were called into action as part of their affiliation with the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) K-9 Unit.

Tango and Briere responded to the scene after the report of a missing juvenile who was suicidal.

Police said Tango was able to track the missing individual through a wooded area, eventually locating the juvenile. First responders were called to the scene and provided the juvenile with appropriate assistance.

This successful police work was the result of the training that Tango and Briere received in tracking school at the Boston Police Academy, according to the Reading PD.

The department received Tango in August of last year, purchasing him with funding from the Stanton Foundation. The foundation issues grants to local police departments for the initial acquisition and training of K-9s.

"Adding a K-9 to our department allows us to bring a new dimension to our search team," Reading PD Chief David J. Clark said. "We are grateful for the funding provided by the Stanton Foundation that made Tango's arrival possible."

According to the Reading PD, Tango is scheduled to take part in narcotics detection training this summer.