Citizens' Police Academy: The Final Week

I have successfully completed 10 weeks of Citizens’ Police Academy, and I even have a “diploma,” badge, T-shirt and coffee cup to prove it!

The last class didn't go out with a bang, it went out with a bite -- and I have the bruises that show I’m no chicken.

Before we get into the story behind the bruises, I’ll give you some background:

Sgt. Darrin Wendling and Rex, the K-9 officer with , were the final presenters. The duo is certified through the National Police Canine Association and in criminal apprehension, building and area searches, tracking, and narcotic detection.

The most common breeds used for police duties are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, the Belgian Malinois and… I believe there’s one more that Wendling discussed, but I can’t think of it to save my life.

Rex is a male Belgian Malinois, a breed commonly used for police and military duties. He is a dual-purpose dog, meaning he accompanies Wendling on patrol and is trained in drug detection. Rex is also used for evidence, building and area searches, and is trained to track criminals.

Dual-purpose police dogs can also be trained for patrol and bomb detection.

Single-purpose dogs -- Labrador Retrievers, usually -- are search dogs or dogs that are only trained for drug or bomb detection.

According to Wendling, he spends more time with Rex, who is 11 years old, than he does with his family. In 2010, Wendling and Rex trained together for about 30 hours per month, according to Colonial Regional's annual report.

And when Wendling heads to work for a 12-hour shift, so does Rex. When Wendling leaves for home, Rex goes with him.

“I can’t get away from him,” Wendling joked.

Wendling did admit that he wouldn’t want another partner, because Rex “never gives me any lip.”

Before Rex, Wendling had a German Shepherd. When asked which he prefers, Wendling said the Belgian Malinois because the breed is not as susceptible to hip dysplasia and is smaller in size. Wendling explained that the Belgian Malinois can fit into smaller spaces -- something that may not be as easy for a German Shepherd, a larger breed.

The Demonstration

After the classroom presentation we headed toward the sally port -- a secure, controlled entryway -- and Det. Sgt. Mike Melinsky asked if anyone was willing to “take a bite.” Not one person raised a hand -- at first.

We first met a new Belgian Malinois that will accompany Officer Cody Hendershot on patrols. He will also be trained for drug detection.

After our introduction to the new K-9 officer, Wendling showed us the "bite top," a protective jacket a person wears when a dog is in training. I caught some flack for noting -- out loud -- that it smelled like dog. Sorry, Rex!

Wendling asked if anyone was willing to put on the "bite top" and "take a bite." There were two volunteers -- at first. Make sure to watch the video -- located to the right of this story -- of Rex in action!

Wendling knew who I was because, well, I'm the editor of Nazareth Patch, and because he was the supervisor on duty during my . He asked two or three times if I wanted to give it a whirl. My fellow Citizens' Police Academy participants chimed in and said, "It would be a great experience for your column!"

Not one to disappoint, I hesitantly agreed. I'm one of those people who says, "I wouldn't be caught dead doing something like that! Hmmm... that looks like fun."

I'm a walking oxymoron.

So, I put on the "bite top" with the assistance of Hendershot. Wendling promised to make sure Rex didn't pull me down, and Hendershot was nearby -- just in case I started to topple over.

Melinsky readied himself with the department's camera -- because this is gonna be good -- and my friend had my iPhone. When everyone was ready, Wendling gave the command.

My arm fit quite nicely in Rex's mouth, and he did not take it easy on the scrawny girl! I don't want to know what would have happened if my protective jacket were not between us.

Hendershot helped un-Velcro the jacket and I slipped out -- but Rex wasn't done. He probably would have spent an hour attacking the "bite top" if Wendling allowed him.

I have to admit that I bruise like a peach, so the damage looked much worse than it really was. And it's not too often that my job gives me battle wounds -- I was quite proud of myself for taking on Rex and the "bite top."

And that, ladies and gentleman, was the end of Citizens' Police Academy. However, I skipped week eight and nine, so I will post a re-cap of those weeks as soon as possible.