By: Julie K. Walton, Internet Success & DogBlog Owner
Boise, Idaho   May 7, 2010

BIG BLUE

What do you think of when I say BIG BLUE? If you live in Boise Idaho, you think of Boise State University Broncos and their big blue football field.

MEN IN BLUE

What do you think of when I say MEN IN BLUE?

OK, some of the more creative theatrically adept among us might think of the BLUE MAN GROUP, a totally unique form of entertainment that combines theatrical performance of music, comedy and multimedia.

But most will agree the term “Men in Blue” represents those who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the fine citizens of our much-loved metropolis – our local Boise Police Department.

In Boise we have police officers serving the community in many specialties: Airport Police; School Resource Officers; Police Patrol Units; Officers who ride motorcycles; Uniformed Police Officers on bicycles, assisted by a few part-time Rangers and many volunteer patrols riding golf carts patrolling the Boise River Greenbelt. But, the DogBlog has chosen to focus on one Boise police program in particular.

TRUE BLUE

Many of the dog-friendly respectable citizens of the “City of Trees” truly appreciate, what our DogBlog considers the true blue officers of the Boise Police Department, the loyal and courageous Canine Officers in the Boise PD K9 Unit. According to the Boise PD the canine/handler teams began their service as an official Boise Canine Unit in 1996. These heroic dogs receive extensive training to fulfill their responsibilities as valuable members of our community. Because of their acute sense of smell, they are extremely proficient in detecting hidden drugs, tracking, locating and apprehending suspects, as well as sniffing out articles the bad guys have left behind.

Working as a police officer can be a stressful career. This is also true for canine officers, so it’s good to hear that the dogs are well taken care of. In fact, all of the canines reside in a residence with their handler and become a part of that officer’s family, socializing with others and recovering from the stress of serving and protecting in the line of duty.

Boise PD YouTube Channel has a video explaining how they keep their K9s safe while in the car.