Students at Wading River Elementary School had an opportunity to meet
Wolf and Champ, two integral figures who help protect the local
community. The German Shepherds, from the Suffolk County Police
Department Canine Section, were accompanied by their handlers, Sgt.
Kevin Krause and police officer Matthew DeWitt, respectively.
To prepare for the visit, the fourth-graders in Frank Ulrich’s class
came up with a list of questions to ask, such as why German Shepherds
are chosen (they have all the characteristics needed for the job) and
why only male dogs are chosen (they maintain their natural behavioral
characteristics as one of their work requirements).
The students viewed a PowerPoint on the history of using canines in
helping police officers locate explosive devices, find people and
identify illegal drugs. They also learned about the intense training
techniques the officers use and the intelligence, agility and amazing
sense of smell the versatile animals possess.