by Autumn Jones, marketing director

Saegertown’s eighth grade students received a visit from the Edinboro Police K-9 unit during eighth period, on Wednesday, November 1. The unit consists of a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois named Kenzo and his handler Officer Landon Silva. Officer Silva was asked to come in and teach the students about the consequences of drug and alcohol possession while relating it to the current lessons being taught in their health classes.

Kenzo has been training with the force since he was a puppy, learning Dutch commands as he was taught in his kennel in Europe during his very early stages before being purchased for $13,000. Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger donated $10,000 of the cost.

Kenzo assists Officer Silva in apprehending and tracking criminals as well as searching for drugs. Kenzo’s handler carries Narcan with him in case of any overdoses the dog may encounter when sniffing for drugs in a search. The Narcan would then be administered nasally and would reverse the effects of most drugs which might have been inhaled.

“I love the dog and learning about different penalties with drugs and alcohol,” said eighth grader Olivia Lallemand. The students seemed to be very interested in the subject, as they were asking questions about drugs, alcohol, and Kenzo’s role on the force.

Kamryn Fuller said, “It was good. We learned a lot about drugs and what they (the dogs) do for their job.”

Kenzo returns home every night with Officer Landon Silva where they share a pillow. Despite being a police dog, Kenzo lives a regular life of a dog while he is not on duty.