Bloodhound puppy sworn in as police officer
WEST YORK, PA -- West York Borough Police has a new member of the force, a K-9 detective named Prince.
In his public debut in early April, the then 13-week-old bloodhound rested in the arms of his handler, Scott Musselman, as officials talked about how he will help to find missing children and older adults with dementia.
"I love him. He's my little buddy already," Musselman said after a news conference.
Prince was sworn in by District Judge Jennifer J.P. Clancy in her Spring Garden Township courtroom on March 30th, 2017.
Prince will assist the Missing Child Task Force, also known as the York County Child Abduction Response Effort Team, said Dana Ward, a detective with the York County District Attorney's Office.
York County currently has another bloodhound, Lou, who is part of the team. Lou's handler is Sgt. Sam Shipley from the York County Sheriff's Department.
Lou is getting ready for retirement, and Prince will be stepping into the role.
Prince starts training in the next week or two. He will undergo training for about eight months to a year, said West York Police Chief Matthew Millsaps.
Residents might see Prince riding around in the police car or walking around in the police station as he gets acquainted with his job, Millsaps said.
The Prince Athletic Club donated $10,000 so that Prince could be picked up at the Jimmy Ryce Center.
Leader Heights Animal Hospital will be helping to take care of the dog. Borough Animal Response krew donated a dog bed, food and snacks for Prince.
"This is truly a community effort," Ward said.
A future meet and greet with Prince is being planned for the public, West York Mayor Shawn Mauck said.
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