Ellsworth police add new dog to K9 unit | News

ELLSWORTH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The newest addition to the Ellsworth Police Department weighs around 75lbs, stands just above 2ft tall and goes by the name Chase. K9 Chase that is.

The one year old Belgian Malinois had his first day on the job today. Chase is currently trained in all aspects of patrol work, but still has around 800 hours left of his training before he can be certified for Patrol and Narcotics by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Sgt. Shawn Willey will be Chase's partner, and is no stranger to having a K9 by his side on the job. Sgt. Willey's first police dog, Vegas, had to retire earlier this year due to health reasons. During his 7 years with the Ellsworth Police Department Vegas led to the seizure of over $60,000 in cash, numerous vehicles, guns, property and large seizures of heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

Chase was donated to the department by Rod Sparkowich and Tracy Shaw, owners of Coastal K9 Consulting in Ellsworth. The couple say he has all the qualities to make a great police K9 and can't wait to see how his career plays out as he matures. "I hope he does have 10 years of serving this community," says Shaw. "It's a fantastic community and I think he's a great asset to the department."

The Ellsworth Police Department paid for Chase's training, which cost $3,500, through grant money and donations made by several members of the community.