The award-winning canine and its handler. (Photo via MTA/Patrick Cashin)
If you smell something, bark at something. That could be the newest MTA slogan after their K-9 unit took him first place at the U.S. Police Canine Association 2011 trials for explosives detection. The authority announced that Officer Kevin Pimpinelli and his pup Mullen won the crown last month. The trials tested human/canine enforcement teams on the speed and accuracy with which they can locate explosives while “adhering to accepted searching practices and procedures.” The team beat out 28 others at regionals and seven pairs in the finals.
Pimpinelli spoke glowing off his dog. “I’ve been working with him for five years, and right from day one he’s had an excellent temperament for a police canine,” he said. “I could bring him into a classroom full of kindergarteners and he’d be the gentlest dog you can imagine. And then if I gave the command, he’d instantly be searching for explosives.”
The MTA, meanwhile, praised its K-9 unit overall. “Canines are invaluable partners with capabilities that no human or machine can duplicate” Douglas Zeigler, MTA Director of Security, said. “This national honor helps to confirm that the efforts we have made since 9/11 to create a strong anti-terror canine force have been effective. But the real confirmation can be seen every day on the front lines, where our canines help to keep our railroad customers and employees safe and secure.” So there you go.
3 comments
No number of dogs or any other security measures will stop random terrorist attacks on subways.
That being said, the dog is cute.
Judging by how wide the mouth is, he’s probably saying its really hot.
It’s like airport security; real terrorists are always one step ahead.