Lake Wales Police Department
Photo provided by LWPD
By James Coulter
The puppy may not be a part of the Paw Patrol, but one lucky dog may be joining the ranks of the Lake Wales Police Department (LWPD) if the City of Lake Wales gives its approval.
At their workshop on Wed. Oct. 30, Lake Wales City Commissioners reviewed the consent agenda for their next regular meeting. One agenda item involved the donation of a police dog to the LWPD.
“Last year one of the department’s canines retired along with their handler following a long career serving our community,” Captain Stephanie Goreck, Support Services Commander, wrote in an LWPD memo.
“Patriot Canine Services learned about the department’s vacancy and has graciously offered to donate an 8-month-old Belgian Malinois that has already received some basic obedience training,” she continued.
If the donation of the canine is accepted by the Lake Wales City Commission, the 8-month old Belgian Malanois will start its training with a new handler on Fri. Dec. 20, 2024, and be ready for duty in the Summer of 2025.
The process to select the new handler should be completed in the coming weeks.
“The approximate value of this canine donation is $10,000.00,” Captain Goreck wrote.
The Lake Wales City Commission will consider this agenda item, along with the rest of the consent agenda, at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. Oct. 5 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
