Tempe has a new dog in town, and it soon will get a couple more.

 

Ares, a 2-year-old German shepherd, recently began responding to 911 calls as the Tempe Police Department's newest K9 officer and is being trained to search for explosives.

 

The department plans to purchase and train two more dogs in coming months. This comes after the June 30 death of police dog Baloo and the recent retirement of another dog. There are currently six Tempe police dogs. 

 

Ares' aptitude for police work was immediately obvious, said Officer Jim Jeffries, who will travel to Seattle on Friday to find additional dogs.

 

As head trainer of Tempe's K9 unit, Jeffries usually tests at least 90 dogs before choosing one.

 

Ares stood out because he was so focused, Jeffries said. While many dogs gave up after a few minutes of searching for a toy, Ares kept going until he found it.

 

On a recent afternoon, that determination was clear. After Jeffries quietly pulled a red ball on a string out of a drawer for a few seconds and then put it away, Ares spent several minutes staking out the drawer.

 

The dog's drive to sniff out potential dangers will be helpful as he patrols but so will his friendly personality, Ares' human partner, Officer Matt Feddeler, said.

 

Jeffries agreed.

 

"Because he has such a good temperament, we're sure he won't bite or snap when someone pokes him," Jeffries said.

 

To prepare Ares to hit the streets, Jeffries runs Feddeler and the dog through training scenarios four nights a week.

 

On a recent night, Ares was tasked with finding two decoys hidden at a Tempe water treatment plant. Ares later jumped out of the police truck when a decoy pretended to attack Feddeler.

 

Feddeler also takes Ares to crime scenes and large gatherings like Tempe's July 4 events when he can.

 

Once they begin patrolling, Feddeler expects they'll work a 2-11 p.m. shift.

 

By then, Ares must be prepared to be a first responder. He'll likely be instructed to go into dangerous situations and to help officers arrest resistant suspects.

 

That's not always an easy task for dogs or their handlers, Feddeler said.

 

The recent death of Baloo, who fell to his death while chasing men police believed may have stolen copper, was a reality check for Feddeler. Though he has lived and worked with Ares for only a few months, Feddeler said he already recognizes the deep bond between officers and police dogs.

 

He recalled learning of Baloo's injury and feeling the same concern he would have if a fellow officer were hurt on duty.

 

But ultimately, Feddeler said Baloo's death was a reminder that police dogs are there to protect officers.

 

"The dogs are here to help us catch bad guys," Feddeler said. "Baloo was doing exactly what he was supposed to do when (he died)."