'Officer' Rudy, newest member of Gilpin's police force, has a nose for trouble (and snacks)

“Officer” Rudy is the newest addition to the police force in Gilpin.

He loves belly rubs, snacks and attention.

Rudy is a 3-year-old Belgian Melinois, a popular breed for training as police dogs. He received his K-9 certification from the North American Police Work Dog Association this month.

He reported for his first day Tuesday, patrolling alongside his handler and partner, police Chief Chris Fabec.

“Rudy’s awesome. He’s the best partner you could ask for,” Fabec said. “He’s outgoing and playful. He’s adjusted well and is doing good.”

He’s the second active police dog in Armstrong County, with another serving with the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Department.

Rudy is certified to be able to sniff out drugs. Fabec said he’s been trained to detect marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.

Taxpayers paid $0

Rudy was already living and training with Fabec when he was hired as Gilpin’s new police chief earlier this year.

His certification and custom-ordered, bullet-resistant vest were made possible by donations and fundraising.

The dog cost township taxpayers nothing. The high cost of acquiring a police dog is one reason why most municipalities, including more populous towns, don’t have one.

“This amazing addition would not be possible without the large support of the residents of the township and surrounding communities,” Gilpin Supervisor Chairman Charlie Stull said.

Allegheny Valley Regional Police Chief Mike Naviglia volunteered about 100 hours of his time to train Rudy for more than 10 weeks.

Naviglia said buying and training a police dog usually costs about $10,000.

And Rudy’s “uniform” includes a vest that cost more than $1,200 — paid for by Mark Fetterman, owner of Kiski Valley Uniforms and Supply in Leechburg.

“I have deep roots in this community, am a part of the community, and I believe that we need a (police dog) in Gilpin Township,” Fetterman said. “Rudy will be a valuable asset to the community.”

Stull said he’s proud to have Rudy join the Gilpin police force that includes two full-time and four part-time officers.

“Rudy will be a huge asset to Gilpin and surrounding communities,” Stull said. “Being trained in drug sniffing, Rudy will help the township and surrounding communities fight the drug epidemic we are seeing across the country. While we weren’t seeking a K-9 for Gilpin, Rudy fell into our laps with Chief Fabec and we will use Rudy in every way we can.”

Older dog, new ‘tricks’

Naviglia has trained police dogs for nearly 20 years. He’s licensed by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency to use with real drugs during training.

“I was impressed with Rudy and how quickly he adapted working as an older dog. He’s a quick study,” Naviglia said. “I normally start training with dogs that are one year old.”

Naviglia said one police dog is the equivalent of about 10 officers when responding to certain situations, like searching a school campus.

“A human can smell about 10,000 things with their olfactory receptors, but a dog can detect more than a million,” Naviglia said.

Naviglia said training Rudy was rewarding.

“I love doing it,” Naviglia said, “and I’d like to tell Rudy to have fun.”

Fabec credited Naviglia with making Rudy’s patrolling a reality.

“We wouldn’t have been able to get Rudy without him, and all he’s done volunteering for the K-9 program,” Fabec said.