New K-9 takes to Berwyn’s streets

BERWYN – Berwyn’s got a new top dog in town.

The Berwyn Police Department now has a third K-9 team on duty: Officer Jim Tricka and Patser.

Tricka and the 2.5-year-old Belgian malinois recently completed a six-week certification course at the Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Penn.

The two were paired up after three days of their initial orientation at Shallow Creek. Patser, which means "showoff" in Dutch, was born
July 12, 2012, in Holland, and was handpicked by the master trainer and owner of Shallow Creek Kennels. During the six weeks of intense training, the new K-9 team became proficient and certified in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension, along with article and area searches.

Tricka and Patser now will join the department’s two other K-9 teams of Officer John Fitzpatrick and Ares and Officer Judy Velasquez and Nikko in their patrol duties.

Tricka said the training was both physically and mentally demanding with the long training days and exams throughout the course. Tricka and Patser became certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association upon graduating from the course.

All the costs involved with K-9 purchases, equipment and training are being paid for through the department’s Asset Forfeiture funds at no cost to the city, Berwyn Chief of Police Jim Ritz said.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois is an alert, high-energy breed, popular as both a police and military working dog. It is one of the four types of Belgian sheep-herding dogs and sometimes mistaken for the German Shepherd.

Intelligent and trainable, the Belgian Malinois possesses a strong desire to work and is happiest with regular activity and a job to do, according to the kennel club. This confident breed loves its family, but may be somewhat reserved with strangers. These dogs are naturally protective of their owners without being overly aggressive.