Dartmouth Police Officer Amaral and K9 partner “Gunner” graduate from Boston Police K9 Academy

On Friday, June 26th, 2020, Officer Justin Amaral and his new K9 partner, Gunner, graduated from the Boston Police K9 Academy.

During the rigorous 540 hour, 14-week K9 academy, Officer Amaral and Gunner received training associated with obedience, handler protection, evidence searches, area searches, building searches, and tracking.

Officer Amaral and Gunner also received a National Certification from the North American Police Working Dog Association.

Gunner is a 1½ year old Belgian Malinois.

The Dartmouth Police Department would like to thank the following individuals and businesses, whose generous donations made it possible to add another K9 to our department:

• Lee’s Market
• JLS Concrete
• Home Depot
• Kevin Santos
• Walmart
• Medeiros and Sons
• The Rise Café
• Mozzone Lumber
• Fidelix Home Improvements
• Wholistic Pet Organics

A special thanks is given to Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog, who awarded the Dartmouth Police Department with a grant that paid for 80% of the dog and some essential K9 equipment. They will also be providing Gunner with a bullet resistant vest. We would like to thank Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog for their commitment to funding departments with K9’s, vests, essential equipment, and trainings.

Officer Amaral and Gunner look forward to serving and protecting the residents of the town of Dartmouth.

Dartmouth Police Dept. photo.