Meet Somerville's Newest Police Officer, K-9 Jax

Photo: Somerville Police Officer Timothy Sullivan with K-9 Jax.

Somerville’s newest police officer is an 18-month-old German Shepherd named Jax.

Jax recently joined the ranks after completing a 14-week training program with his partner, Officer Timothy Sullivan, according to the department.

Here’s what Sullivan said of the training:

The class is physically demanding, and if you don’t end up bruising or spraining something, you’re probably not doing it right. Training isn’t done sitting at a desk. It’s done outside and in all sorts of weather. I remember being in Middleton and receiving an emergency alert on my phone, indicating we were in a “flash flood zone.” I laughed, got out of the cruiser with my rubber boots and rain gear on, and made my way out into the field to lay a track for Jax. In the beginning, he was totally dependent on me, but as the training program progressed, I was dependent on him. Trusting Jax’s instincts and abilities is what will make us a successful team.

The training, which included 16 dogs, was sponsored by the Boston Police Department but took place all over the state.

Somerville Police Chief David Fallon thanked the Boston Police Department for the training, Steve Kelley of P.T. Kelley for donating his services to build Jax a shelter and Doctors Adam Parker and John Bujalski of Porter Square Veterinarian for donating their services to care for Jax.