Palm Springs PD welcomes new K-9, Dwight

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Palm Springs Police Department is welcoming a new K-9 to the department's K-9 unit, named Dwight. Dwight is named in honor of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and he is joining PSPD through the support of Eisenhower Health.

"We have a similar mission. They're here to protect and save, and we're here to save lives," says
Martin Massiello, president and CEO of Eisenhower Health. He says he wanted to give back to the department, as Palm Springs police officers often protect Eisenhower Health buildings.

The department also has canines at the airport, sniffing out explosives.

"We have canines that are dual purposed in narcotics and criminal apprehension, and we have a K-9 that is also cross-trained in the location of firearms," says officer Luciano Colantuono.

Dwight will be joining the five other K-9s who work at PSPD, many of whom are Belgian Malinois. Officers say these dogs are fast, agile, and lighter than german shepherds, making it easier for their handlers to manuever them.

"You are with them constantly. They both go home with you. You feed them. They come apart of not only your work family, but your personal family as well," says officer Colantuono. Colantuono was the handler for a police dog named Ike, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in April 2011.

The newest addition to the force, Dwight, will be starting police academy training in June. Officers say in the coming months, they'll be welcoming another new K-9 named Champ.