New Perry Village K-9 officer sworn in, ready to test for state certification

Bill DeBus, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Aug. 15—Perry Village Police Department's new K-9 officer is moving closer to securing the authorization he needs to perform law-enforcement duties.

K-9 Officer Pio, a nearly 2-year-old German shepherd, was sworn in as a member of Perry's police department during an Aug. 11 Village Council meeting.

Pio's handler, Lt. Michael Collins, recited an oath on behalf of the dog as Mayor James Gessic administered the swearing-in ceremony.

Another big moment awaits Pio on Aug. 17, when he'll take a test to secure state certification as a police K-9.

Pio and Collins graduated June 17 from a training program for new K-9s and their handlers that was held at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.

Since graduation day, Pio also gained certification through the North American Police Work Dog Association, Collins said.

In addition, Pio has been riding with Collins as he patrols to get acclimated to the lieutenant's police cruiser. However, Pio can't act in an official capacity until he's certified by the state of Ohio, said Police Chief Troy Hager.

Collins said he and Pio are building a good relationship as K-9 unit partners.

"I think that the chief made a good choice in picking out a dog," he said.

Hager also spoke highly of Pio.

"I've been around a lot of police dogs, but this dog has one of the best temperaments I've ever met," he said.

The department acquired Pio about 3 1/2 months ago from Shallow Creek Kennels. The dog was purchased solely through private donations.

The department's K-9 program was paused in the early part of 2021 after the death of K-9 Zeke.

Collins, who also served as Zeke's handler, said the 5-year-old Dutch shepherd was euthanized Jan. 19 for medical reasons. Zeke served Perry Village police for nearly three years.

Prior to Zeke, Collins paired with K-9 Officer Zack, a Belgian Malinois, for 1 1/2 years. Zack died unexpectedly at age 3 after exercising with Collins at a park on Oct. 31, 2018.

Collins' experience as a K-9 handler stretches back to 2007. That's when he was assigned to join forces with K-9 Officer Loreto. A German shepherd, Loreto functioned as Perry Village's K-9 officer until his retirement in 2017.

Loreto died July 16, 2020, at age 14.

Similar to Pio, Loreto was acquired from Shallow Creek Kennels. A different kennel supplied Zack and Zeke to Perry Village Police Department.