Bruce PD brings in a new set of paws to the force

CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s one of the most effective teams in law enforcement K-9’s and their handlers.

These highly trained animals are a big investment for departments and the communities they serve, but it’s an investment that can pay dividends.

The Bruce Police Department has a new officer on duty.

Meet Ero. A three-year-old German Shepard patrol dog.

Bruce Police Chief Tony Sockwell said the rookie is ready to make an impact.

“It’s an asset for us and them to keep the community safe,” said Sockwell.

Bruce Mayor Rudy Pope said that the community pitched in to pay $10,000 to bring Ero onto the force.

Patrol and K9 Handler Thomas Sosa said his 4-legged partner works an eight-hour shift just like his human counterparts.

On a typical morning, he is ready to begin his duties.

“I bring him inside the PD, get him warmed up for the day and do some obedience with him. I’ll let him run, stretch his legs, then other than that we will go ahead and load him up in my truck and then will start our patrolling for the day, ” said Sosa.

Ero is a well-rounded officer.

He can sniff out narcotics while his partner serves search warrants.

And he can track the scent of a missing person.

“He’s pretty calm, relax, and cool soon as I get him in the truck he’s hyped up and ready to go. When he’s going from his PD environment to the patrol truck he’s ready to do something,” said Sosa.

But like his fellow officers, Ero looks forward to letting off some steam at the end of his shift.

“He takes kindly to kids, he loves kids. He loves to be rubbed on, praised on. He loves to be pet, and he loves the attention, ” said Sosa.

The Bruce Police Department said they spend around $1,000 a year to keep Ero trained, groomed, and healthy.