North Huntingdon K-9 to retire

After eight years of service, one of North Huntingdon’s K-9 officers is retiring at the end of the year, to be replaced by a new dog.

Officer Jeremy Nichols, who works with K-9 Nero, said he will be taking the German shepherd home once the dog leaves the department.

“I will keep him in my family,” Nichols said.

Nero has been on numerous drug detection patrols, Nichols said. He recalled one incident in which Nero found a person in distress at a North Huntingdon park. Nero tracked the individual for five hours, following the person’s scent and locating the individual despite the presence of scents from other people who were in the park.

Nichols said he already has selected another dog through Shallow Creek Kennels near Sharpsville, Mercer County. He declined to comment on the new dog until he brings it home.

The new K-9, and the training required, will cost the township about $14,000, said Jeff Silka, township manager. The commissioners are expected to vote on approving the expenditure at the board’s Dec. 18 meeting.

Chief Robert Rizzo said he anticipates Nichols will undergo training with his K-9 in January.

North Huntingdon has two other officers who handle K-9s: Sgt. Kari Bauer, who works with Zargo, and Sgt. Justin Wardman, who works with Rocco.