Township comes up with money for police dog
Published: February 22, 2007
Clinton Township’s new canine cop will reside with his handler, but in the few weeks he’s been in town the dog has already won the hearts of members of the community, who have practically adopted him.
Jack, a 3-month-old bloodhound, won’t formally start his new job with the Clinton Township Police Department until this spring after he and officer Kevin Frabotta undergo specialized training.
Already, however, the dog has visited with elementary school students who participated in a contest to name him and has met with business owners who helped finance some of the dog’s needs.
“Actually, he’s the community’s dog just as much as he is mine,” said Frabotta, the department’s new canine officer.
A non-profit organization donated the dog, while a committee of residents, business owners and police officers has launched fund-raising efforts for equipment.
Shanon Rupkus, the leader of a committee supporting the police department and the canine team, said the group is trying to raise about $35,000 for a specially equipped police car for the canine unit. So far, they’ve collected about $10,000.
“We’ve had a lot of people helping out months before we even got the dog,” said Rupkus, who is married to a police officer. “Now that Jack’s in town, everyone wants to see him.”
Clinton Township police have been without a canine team for several years after the last dog retired. That dog wasn’t replaced when budget cuts forced the elimination of the canine program.
Elegant Jewelers owner Marty Clauw, a longtime law enforcement supporter, donated $950 to the effort, while Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital owner Thomas Bankstahl is helping out with basic medical issues and training.
Jack came from the ALIE Foundation, a Colorado-based organization that provides bloodhounds to police agencies. The group was formed by Richard and Leticia Berrelez in the 1990s after their 5-year-old granddaughter was abducted from her home and killed. A bloodhound located her body.
Police Capt. Fred Posavetz, Clinton Township’s first canine handler, said bloodhounds are known for their uncanny ability to track human scent over miles. He said the department will use the dog to help find lost children, Alzheimer’s patients and escaped prisoners.
Officials said a second canine, one that could be used for drug or bomb detection, may be added. Frabotta, 40, who begins scent training with Jack in April, said he is amazed at the bloodhound’s abilities. Jack is a welcome addition to the Frabotta home where Kevin and his wife, Terri, a Center Line High School volleyball coach, live with their four children.
“I’m raring to get going with this little guy,” he said.
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