Woodstock police appoints new K-9 unit

The new K-9 unit German Shepherd will be “ruff” on crime in northwest suburban Woodstock.

K-9 Officer Sharon Freund and her K-9 partner, Blue, completed their eight-week training at TOPS Kennel in Grayslake and graduated Nov. 6, according to a statement from the Woodstock Police Department.

The duo works the afternoon shift, from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. On his first day, Blue discovered drug paraphernalia hidden in a suspect’s car, according to the statement.

Freund joined the department at a patrol officer in January 2013. She applied to be the new K-9 officer when the position opened earlier this year, and after a series of interviews and a review of her work record Chief Robert Lowen appointed her, according to the statement.

Blue, who was born and bred in the Czech Republic, will be two years old in December. He will live and work with Freund throughout his law enforcement career. When Blue retires many years from now, he will continue to live with her as a family pet, according to the statement.