Meet 'Eddie,' Tuckahoe Police Department's Newest Officer

TUCKAHOE, NY — The Tuckahoe Police Department has introduced its newest member, a K-9 officer lovingly and expertly trained by inmates.

"Eddie" is a facility dog whose job will be to promote health and wellness within the department along with community policing and victim assistance in the aftermath of a traumatic event, according to Tuckahoe Police Department officials.

Eddie has been paired with Chief Larry Rotta who will show the K-9 officer the ropes.

Eddie's arrival was fully funded and prepared for by the organization, "Puppies Behind Bars." The non-profit group trains prison inmates to raise puppies into service dogs for veterans, first responders, and law enforcement. The puppies live in the correctional facilities with their trainers, called puppy raisers, for about two years while they learn commands and routines.