A Dog's Life: Elementary School Students Learn About K-9 Patrols

MATTITUCK, NY — Students at Cutchogue East Elementary School learned recently how critically important K-9 patrol dogs are in law enforcement.

Police Officer Shawn Williams, with K-9 Solo of the Southold Town Police Department, along with Police Officer James Moore with K-9 Topper of the Southampton Village Police Department, visited with fifth grade students at the Mattituck-Cutchogue school district to explain the work done by the K-9 patrol dogs — including how they assist police officers — provide demonstrations and answer students’ questions.

The students were shown how the K-9 patrol dogs listened, followed commands, searched for and located missing items, and controlled a suspected perpetrator, the district said.

The delighted students were also invited to join the police officers and the K-9 patrol dogs for a photo opp.

Other members of the Southold Police Department were also in attendance for the presentation, including the school resource officers for the district.

Students were also given a commemorative card and photo of Solo.

"The Mattituck-Cutchogue School District thanks the police officers for spending time with the students at Cutchogue East Elementary School and sharing the valuable work they do," the district said.