NEW PITTSFIELD K-9 ALREADY MAKING IMPACT

PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield Police Department has welcomed a new four-legged member to the force, introducing Maverick, a 3-year-old trained narcotics K-9, who officially began active duty last week alongside his handler, Officer Mackenzie Moore.

Since starting work, Maverick has already assisted Pittsfield officers in two arrests. Moore says Maverick clearly understands when it’s time to work, immediately shifting into duty mode as soon as he is deployed from the squad car, adding that watching him perform his job has been impressive.

The department originally explored the idea of adding an emotional support dog, but when Maverick — a single-purpose narcotics dog — became available, officers determined he would be an ideal fit for the department’s needs. Maverick joined the force thanks to a donation from Whitetail Properties, while a St. Louis-area police department contributed a kennel for the squad car.

Maverick has been partnered with Officer Moore since the Monday before Christmas and previously served as a school resource officer canine. Moore says Maverick has acclimated quickly to his new environment and has already become a strong part of the Pittsfield Police team. She added that working with a K-9 has long been a personal career goal, one she says is now fulfilled with Maverick by her side.