By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur’s board of works and safety has renewed its contract with North Adams Schools to provide a school resource officer (RSO), which means the students will have their favorite “cop” around for another year: Koda the officer’s K-9.
The RSO is Trent Busse, a 10-year member of Decatur Police Department. The K-9 went on duty at the start of the school year and has proven to be extremely popular with the students.
In comments at the latest board of works and safety meeting, Mayor Dan Rickord said he recently had lunch at Bellmont and saw that “officer Busse’s dog is a big hit with the kids. He has a calming effect on them.”
Councilman Craig Coshow said, “He really enjoys the dog,” which has become a member of the Busse family.
“They really represent our city well,” Councilman Wylie Sirk added.
Koda, named in a student contest, is trained to detect narcotics and firearms, and in tracking various items. The Golden Retriever is also a therapeutic tool.
He was the department’s third K-9 (although one just retired), but trained differently than the other dogs, to be non-aggressive.
North Adams paid for his training, around $900, and also provided a “kennel” at the police station and some other necessities. Donations of food, medical care, etc., have been received by the Decatur PD and are welcome at any time.