Knox became a K9 officer when he was just 2 years old following a year of training at the Stamford Police Department. He is 1 of 5 specially trained K9 officers in Stamford and according to WebMD, in dog years Knox is about 50 years old. During his downtime, he loves to stay active with his family by hiking at West Beach or fishing at the Reservoir. His family loves having a police dog in the home and the kids say that it makes them feel protected.
Officer Jonathan Gale shares more information about his K9 partner.
What is Knox specialized in?
Knox was trained to detect narcotics, clear a building, apprehend and track a human scent. Aside from police work, Knox is involved in community activities and regularly visits local schools. As a team, we also participate in the Stamford Police Department Pal Program which sponsors sports for kids ages 5-14.
How does Knox know when it's time to clock out?
Police dogs are trained to stop working after their shift. Like a human police officer, K9s have a uniform and when it's removed they understand that they are now off duty. When he’s home with the kids and I’m out of uniform he understands it's family time. He loves being around them!
How do you care for Knox?
I’m with him more than anyone else. Or, I should say he’s always with me! I designed a special diet for him using an all-natural raw protein that I now sell through my small business, Complete K9 in downtown Stamford. I also offer treats, training, and boarding at my small business located at Belltown Road.
Officer Gale is a Stamford native and was named Police Officer of the Year in 2020.