Philippi Police Department training new K-9 unit

PHILIPPI, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Philippi Police Department will soon be adding another member to its ranks as K-9 unit Eli looks to join the force.

Eli is currently 80 pounds and is the son of another Philippi K-9 Unit, Raptor. Eli’s training has been thanks to a $7,500 grant that the city received and once he finishes his training in a few months, he will take over for his father.

Raptor hasn’t had to raise Eli alone though as Lieutenant Dustin Cale has been with Eli since he was six weeks old. “It’s a lot of obedience but not too heavy, we still want him to be a puppy and enjoy life a little bit,” Lt. Cale said.

Lt. Cale told 12 News that Eli is the third police dog the department has had and that they serve the community in several ways like helping with traffic stops, finding missing children, and tracking fugitives. On top of that, the dogs help put people at ease and provide support with public relations and morale at the station.

Lt. Cale said that on average, a police dog works for around 5-7 years. He said that dogs might be able to be worked longer, but thinks that “they deserve a retirement.”

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