Foundation donates K-9 officer to Woodstock police

The Woodstock Police Department’s latest recruit, “Tessa,” comes by way of the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, which paid $14,500 to cover the costs of the new K-9 officer’s acquisition and training.

The Woodstock City Council accepted the donation of Tessa, to be cross-trained in narcotics detection, tracking and patrol work. Tessa will replace the recently retired K-9 Officer “Dugan.”

Arete Canine LLC, provider of the police dog, said it will train Tessa “in the areas of criminal apprehension, handler protection, building search, area search, felony vehicle stops, narcotics detection (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth), scent discrimination tracking/trailing, and tactical obedience.”