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Police dog Kobe remains active in first 8 months of service with HPD

Hopkinton Police officer Nick Walker and police dog Kobe pose for a photo. PHOTO/PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES

Kobe, the Hopkinton Police Department’s K-9 unit, has been busy his first eight months on the job.

“He loves [to work],” said HPD officer Nick Walker. “It’s his favorite thing in the world to do.”

Walker is in charge of 2-year-old Kobe and has been working with him since last August to prepare him for service with the department. Kobe has been certified by both a Boston K-9 patrol school and the North American Police Work Dog Association. Earlier this week, the dog started narcotics training with the Boston Police Department.

“He will be a dual-purpose K-9 in six weeks,” Walker noted.

In less than a year with the HPD, Kobe has seen regular service both with the department and around the region. Walker explained that he is a member of the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC), which makes him and Kobe available to other member towns should they need K-9 assistance. 

Walker highlighted how their involvement with CEMLEC works by recounting a call he and Kobe responded to in Spencer last Saturday. The dog was requested to help track an individual who took off into the woods after experiencing a mental health crisis. The person was found after being tracked by Kobe and was given medical and mental health support.

“That was a rewarding one for me,” Walker said of the call. He said he appreciates the calls where he and Kobe can get help to people who need it.

Another highlight of the K-9 unit’s work came in April. Kobe and Walker were called to track down a man who allegedly crashed a stolen white BMW into a fence on Loop Road and took off from police.

After trailing the suspect for almost a mile through the woods and locating his discarded ankle monitor, Kobe was able to track the man down in a house under construction. Officers detained the man without further incident as a result.

In addition to his narcotics training, Kobe is getting a boost from a donation of a bulletproof and stab-protective vest from the nonprofit Vested Interest. The charity, which provides custom-fitted vests to dogs in law enforcement, worked with Walker to submit a grant for the equipment.

Walker noted that none of the costs related to Kobe have been paid through taxpayer money. He also encouraged residents who support the K-9 unit’s mission to donate money directly to the HPD to keep the program going.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

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This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Quest, a small dog with a big personality who loves getting outside and exploring new places.

In the latest Professional Insights, Kim Foemmel of Foemmel Fine Homes breaks down the importance of title insurance for home buyers and sellers.

Hopkinton collegians recently were recognized by their schools for academic achievement.

Photo of the Day

Clients from Liberty Adult Day Health in Hopkinton pose for a photo with members of the Hopkinton Fire Department on Thursday. The group created and donated a pallet artwork in the design of the American flag to the HFD. As part of Thursday’s gathering, the health center also provided lunch for the firefighters, and clients got to take a closer look at a fire truck.

PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD