Framingham K-9 Police Officer Andrew Lewis with his partner 'Murph.'
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Framingham Police Department has a new training facility closer to home.
Thanks in large part to the city's Department of Public Works, a K-9 agility training course was built outside of a DPW facility in Framingham.
The course includes obstacles simulating real-world scenarios like climbing fences and navigating tight spaces.
Before the opening, police had to take their dogs to Boston for training.
But the DPW provided its workers and the space that was needed for the agility course.
Funding for the facility came from donations.
Framingham K-9 Police Officer Andrew Lewis said the new facility provides officers and their dogs realistic training without having to travel too far. "It's been great because it exposes the dogs to much different environmental stuff."
As an example, he said one of his favorite real-life training scenarios for him and his partner 'Murph' is teaching him to enter a driver's side car window.
K-9 units provide critical, sometimes life-saving support during law enforcement activities.
A very close bond is developed between the officer and his or her dog.
Lewis said an added benefit of the new facility is its location. "I had an idea that instead of going to Boston, we wanted to train right here," he said.
The training includes pursuing and arresting suspects and narcotics and explosive detection.
Deputy Chief Sean Riley gave credit to a program called 'Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog' that helped provide the resources and materials for the new facility. "We want to train our officers to be the best they can, and their partners are just as important," Riley said.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.