West Chester Gets Its First K9 Unit In 40 Years

WEST CHESTER, PA — It's been 40 years since a four-legged friend joined the force in West Chester.

That all changed this week when the borough's police department announced the addition of Odin, the generation's first police K9 in the borough.

“We are thrilled to welcome K9 Odin to our team,” Chief of Police Joshua Lee said in a statement. “His training and abilities will be invaluable in our ongoing commitment to keeping West Chester a safe and secure place for everyone."

Odin is a two-year-old German shepherd. He was born in the Czech Republic and has been training for this job — chiefly routine patrol and narcotics detection — his entire life.

He'll be partnered with Officer Samantha Long, who trained with him at the Iron Rose K9 Center in Boiling Springs.

"Partnered with Officer Long, we are confident that K9 Odin will make a significant impact in our patrol operations," Lee added.

Police are partnering with the East Bradford Veterinary Hospital, which will help keep Odin in tiptop health while working.