NAHANT — The Police Department is eager to announce the newest addition to its ranks: a 10-month-old Belgian Malinois named Solo, who has just been appointed as the department’s first K9-unit.
Once Solo has completed the necessary training in order to hit the streets of the town, she’ll be paired with Officer Conner Robertson, who spoke with The Daily Item on the background of the development and the impact he hopes it make.
“Our Chief (Timothy Furlong) has always had aspirations of having a K9-unit, and we reached out to different agencies throughout the country — one in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona — and from there, we were able to narrow things down and connect with a coordinator for K9 units up in Amesbury,” Robertson said.
He said the department was put in contact with Runchkin Hill K9 Training and Breeding Facility in West Newbury.
“Within a few days, everything lined up,” he said. “We were looking for a dog that would fit the town of Nahant, and also be able to help mutual aid with communities in the surrounding area. … Temperament was a big thing our guys were looking at.”
Robertson said Solo will be certified in tracking individuals who may be lost in woods.
“Whether it’s children who go missing in the woods, or people suffering from dementia who may get lost, we can get out there and track with the rest of the K9 units, like Lynn, Swampscott and Peabody,” Robertson said.
“With her secondary school training, we’re aiming for narcotics,” he continued. “First, she would go through training and patrol guidelines, but the narcotics training wouldn’t be until the spring.”
Robertson said policing everywhere is “moving forward.
“We have to make sure we have the right tools and the right partners to mobilize. Solo will be a huge help, and from her experience with me, I think her personal skills are really going to show.”
Robertson elaborated on what he hopes the community takes away from the development.
“Nahant’s a tiny community, but at the same time, there are gaps where I’m the only officer on the road, and with having Solo with me, you’re never by yourself,” he said. “Whatever Nahant’s focus is, that’s always the police department’s focus. … Lynn, Swampscott and the State come in all the time to help, and we’re looking to be able to assist them as much as they assist us.”
Robertson said it could be only a few weeks before he’s joined by Solo, due to the necessary training and certifications.
He cited Interim Town Administrator Alison Nieto, the Select Board, Furlong and Marianna Rauworth, grant writer for the department, for their assistance in bringing the development to life.
“It’s a long time coming for us. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I had to jump on the opportunity,” Furlong said. “We created this position for a multitude of reasons — to make policing more marketable for qualified police officers to come to Nahant, and also to keep good-quality employees. … Officer Conner Robertson is top notch, and he’ll go a long way with this department.”
Furlong said he can’t wait until Solo is fully-trained and ready to officially get started.
Nieto shared her thoughts on the appointment of Solo.
“We’re very excited, and we’re hoping that Solo will help us retain our police officers here in town and attract new officers to come and work for us,” she said.
Selectmen Rob Tibbo echoed Nieto’s statement.
“I think it’s a great asset as far as search and rescue for the town, and there’s a nice aspect of community involved there, as Solo will be around the school, but I also am very pleased that the police department has this additional asset to help keep them safe,” Tibbo said.
