Overview
A human-canine officer team is a tried and true law enforcement tool. With their keen eyesight, speed and sense of smell, police dogs can perform some tasks faster and at lower cost than human officers with less risk to officers and the public.
The Town of Cary has formed a K9 officer program, and works with other police departments in the area who have agreed to share their teams.
Cary police use their K9 team to track lost persons or fleeing suspects, search for discarded or hidden evidence or contraband, detect illegal drugs, search buildings and help protect officers. Cary’s K9 team is available for public appearances and demonstrations as well.
Jeremy & Max
Cary’s first K9 team, Master Officer Jeremy Burgin and a German shepherd named Max, completed a rigorous 14-week training program together in Angier in early June 2005. Max finished as the Top Dog in obedience and apprehension work. The team hit the street together on June 24, 2005.
Seth & Axle
On Feb. 3, 2008, Cary introduced a second K9 team – Officer Seth Everett and a German Shepard named Axle. The new team allows the Cary Police Department to expand its coverage with the K-9 program to seven days of week instead of four.
Keeping Max & Axle Safe
To keep Max and Axle safe while they’re riding, Jeremy and Seth’s police cars have a kennel insert in the back seat. This helps protect in case of a crash. If the temperature inside the car rises above 90 degrees, a fan turns on automatically and the window rolls down. A key chain alarm alerts the officers. The kennel insert has a spill-proof water bowl and room for Max and Axle to move around.
People can help Max and Axle concentrate on their job by not approaching them or trying to pet them while they are working.
Meeting Max & Axle
Want to schedule a time when one of the Town’s K9 teams can meet with your school or civic group? They are available to meet and provide a demonstration of their abilities.
Donating to Cary’s K9 Program
If you’d like to send a tax-deductible donation, please make the check out to the Town of Cary and put on the memo line that it is for the K9 program. Send the check to:
Town of Cary
Attn: Finance Department
P.O. Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
Want to Know More?
The United States Police Canine Association has information on K9 programs across the country.
To learn more about Cary’s K9 program contact:
Master Officer Jeremy Burgin
Cary Police Department
P.O. Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
919) 469-4012
Captain Don Hamilton
Cary Police Department
(919) 469-4088
don.hamilton@townofcary.org