The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Man's best friend
Ypsi police get K-9 unit, no longer rely on neighboring departments
By Kathleen Conat, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: November 8, 2007
For the first time in 30 years, the Ypsilanti Police Department has a K-9 unit to assist in a wide range of investigations
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"Buky" (pronounced BOO-key), is a 15-month old Belgian Shepherd born in the Czech Republic and brought to the United States by the Vonderhaus K-9 Police Academy of Wapakoneta, Ohio. At the academy, he was partnered with Officer Tony Schembri during an intense six-week training course.
According to Lt. Mark Angott, there had been much support from officers for the department to have the unit over the years. Tracking a suspect in an urban area calls for quick response so the trail is not contaminated by other foot traffic. Waiting for other departments to respond with their dogs was frustrating.
When Matt Harshberger was made chief of the department last year, he made the K-9 unit a priority.
"This is long overdue," Angott said. "It's going to be a huge benefit to the citizens of Ypsilanti and money well spent."
But, in fact, all of Buky's expenses are paid for with drug forfeiture money, including his training, supplies, veterinary bills and special equipment. The team travels in a 2007 Ford Explorer that was retro-fitted for the K-9 unit using drug forfeiture money, too.
Buky is trained in tracking, finding narcotics, searching buildings and articles, and providing protection for his officer. He can sniff out marijuana, crack and powder cocaine, heroin, black-tar heroin, methamphetamines and mushrooms.
The dog lives with Schembri at his home and travels with him at work. The team is on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. But, Schembri does not see this as a sacrifice.
"I've wanted to do this ever since I became a cop," Schembri said. "This is a dream come true.
Schembri, a 12-year veteran of the Ypsilanti force, has worked in housing and as part of the Living and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team known as LAWNET. His enthusiasm for this assignment is evident as he explains how the team works.
Buky's commands are in German and he also follows hand commands from Schembri. His rewards are a chew toy or ball, not food. He has different collars for different tasks, a way of letting him known what he is supposed to be doing.
Right now, Buky is getting acclimated to the streets of Ypsilanti after spending much time in the country setting of the academy. At home, he spends time with Schembri's children.
Schembri has given demonstrations with his new partner to Cub Scout troops and will be available to do the same at schools and for community groups.
"I'm the luckiest guy in the department," Schembri said. "I'm really looking forward to doing some good things with Buky."
Kathleen Conat is a longtime Ypsilanti resident and freelance writer for The Courier. She can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.
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