Escanaba police dog now on duty

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ESCANABA - Escanaba Public Safety has hired a 5-year-old to help the department with some high-priority responsibilities like finding explosives, chasing down criminals and tracking lost individuals.

Officer Robbie, a male police dog, arrived for duty in Escanaba last month. He's partnered with Public Safety Officer Marc Maycunich. Together they make up the department's K-9 unit.

Maycunich introduced Robbie to the media at the Manager's Call meeting Thursday. The police dog successfully hit on a simulated bomb hidden in council chambers. Robbie was later introduced to council members and the public during Thursday night's regular council meeting.

"This dog is capable of seeking out explosives...numerous types of explosives," said Maycunich. "He's trained for explosives, tracking and handler protection."

Robbie is a Belgian malinois from Holland. The dog arrived in the states months ago and underwent extensive training at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind. For five weeks, Maycunich trained there with the dog, which responds to commands in the Dutch language.

Maycunich said the training went well, adding Robbie is an awesome partner.

Robbie replaces the department's former bomb-tracking dog, which officially retired Aug. 15 when Robbie arrived. Akim, 10, worked for Escanaba Public Safety for nearly eight years with his handler, Officer Tim Moore.

Just as Akim lives with his handler, Robbie resides at Maycunich's home with the officer's family and two other dogs.

Robbie will go to work with Maycunich and be available to police agencies across the Upper Peninsula, downstate and northern Wisconsin. Just like Akim, Robbie is the only working bomb dog in the U.P.

Maycunich said Robbie's motivation, or reward, for doing what he's trained to do is a tennis ball or any type of ball. The ball is a signal that work has to be done and someone or something has to be found.

When Robbie locates an explosive, the dog changes its behavior and is trained to sit or lay down, Maycunich explained. The canine will also attack a suspect when necessary and will protect the handler with its life, he said.

Public Safety Director Jim Hansen said, "That sense of duty to the handler is real intense."

Another valuable role the police dog provides public safety is serving as a public relations tool for all ages, from school children to senior citizens, the Hansen added.

"This dog allows us to continue what has become a successful program for the department. I can't imagine going without that resource," Hansen said.

The police dog was paid for with contributions from the Hannahville 2 percent funds, Plum Creek Foundation and other private donations.

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Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net