AMHERST — Marvin, a 16-month-old German shepherd hailing from Hungary, is the newest member of the Amherst Police Department.
Marvin is joining Matthew Frydryk as part of the department’s second K-9 unit. He will conduct regular patrols, but may also take part in operations like locating missing people, detecting narcotics, searching buildings and apprehending criminals.
Capt. Ronald Young said having a new K-9 unit is a force multiplier that supplements the work of patrol officers, whether looking for a suspect or saving someone’s life.
“It really gives the patrol ability to be more effective in an immediate sense,” Young said.
Marvin and Frydryk also will be available at times to meet residents. Young described Marvin as an affable dog.
The start of a second K-9 team comes two years after Dash, a 17-month-old male German Shepherd from the Netherlands, and officer Thomas Clark formed the department’s first unit.
The new K-9 unit is funded by a $25,000 grant from The Stanton Foundation, which supports canine welfare and promotes international nuclear security, based in Cambridge.
Frydryk, an officer in Amherst since 2008, traveled to Pennsylvania last month to meet with the canine service importer. Young said dogs there were paired with police officers based on their attributes and how well they worked with their new handler.
The dog’s name was chosen by students at Amherst Regional High School, Young said.
The duo are currently in a several week training for narcotics detection and patrol operations.