McCandless Police Department gets new K-9, a Belgian Malinois named Leroy

The McCandless Police Department recently added a youthful member to its ranks — and he’s not quite 2 years old.

Leroy, a Pennsylvania-born Belgian Malinois, is the newest K-9 member of the township’s police. He turns 2 in May.

According to his partner, Officer Shawn Davis, the dog soon will begin training for narcotics control and patrol skills such as individual tracking and apprehension.

He will be imprinted to smell heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine but not marijuana, and his training should be complete by April, Davis said.

The new K-9 is “very social,” and Davis said he expects him to be well received at local schools and community events.

McCandless police Chief Ryan Hawk said Leroy is “everything the department was looking for.” Hawk said the dog’s main function will be “community engagement.”

“I’m very optimistic about this dog, and I know that he likes the couch in my office,” Hawk said.

Charged with taking care of Leroy off-duty as well, Davis said the dog has incorporated well into his home during the past two weeks with his wife and young child.

Leroy is filling the role left by Davis’ previous K-9, Siraly, a German shepherd who was 3 when he died in December. But Davis said Leroy is the “right dog for the right town.”

“He’s been great all around, and I only expect our bond to continue and for us to progress as well,” Davis said.