In May 2005 the Richland Township Police Department introduced its newest member to the community, Nero, a three year old German Shepherd. His handler, Officer Tim Rhoades has been with the police department since May 2004. Nero was obtained through the Region 13 Terrorism Task Force at no expense to the township. Both Officer Rhoades and Nero went through extensive training at the Von Der Haus Gill K-9 Academy for 7 weeks in Wapakoneta, OH. The Owner/Trainer Al Gill is a K-9 Master Trainer in Explosives, Narcotics, and Patrol. While attending the K-9 Academy, Nero and Officer Rhoades received Certification in Explosive Detection, Obedience, Aggression Control, Tracking, Article Searches, Area Searches and Building Searches through IPWDA – International Police Work Dog Association and OPOTA – Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. After completing the initial K-9 training in Ohio, Nero and Officer Rhoades attended a week long, Patrol K-9 course with the City of Pittsburgh K-9 Unit. Officer Rhoades trains daily with Nero including two eight hour training days a month with the City Of Pittsburgh and Region 13 K-9 Units.

Officer Rhoades and Nero have been used extensively in Richland Township and throughout Cambria and Somerset Counties for tracking, building searches and explosive detection. They are on call 24 hours a day seven days a week. They have put on demonstrations for civic organizations, the Richland Elementary School and other schools in the area. The Richland Township K-9 Unit is available for demonstrations for any organization or school simply by writing a letter of request to Chief Richard L. Barlett C/O Richland Township Police Department.

 

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