Five officers of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Canine Unit have been recognized for the best performance of the second quarter of 2012 in the nation.
The United States Police Canine Association cited the Savannah-Chatham unit for the best performance nationally for its action in securing both suspects in a kidnapping scheme that locked down Downtown Savannah and a west Savannah neighborhood on May 17.
The association already had cited the unit with the District 2 award for securing one suspect who had hidden in the Old Pink House Restaurant and then running down a second who had been holding a 12-year-old boy hostage a house on Milton Street.
The national award qualifies the K-9 officers for the best canine patrol case nationally for the year. The team was recognized for its performance in the many difficult situations it faced that day, the manner in which each member supplemented and complemented co-workers and the endurance that led them to continue until both suspects were arrested.
“These awards are a testament to the intensive training and outstanding performance of our K9 Unit,” said police Chief Willie Lovett. “These officers and their canine partners are called upon daily to help perform searches and keep our citizens and our officers safe. I am thrilled that they have received this recognition.”
More later in the Savannah Morning News.