SOUTHWICK – The Southwick K-9 unit will be part of a community event on Thursday evening. Hosted by the Massachusetts Police Work Dog Association, Southwick K-9 officer Michael Westcott and his K-9, General, will be part of a public family night out on Thursday at the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield.
Starting at 5 p.m., the event features K-9 teams from several police departments in Western Massachusetts. At 6 p.m., a K-9 demonstration will take place followed by a meet and greet. Prior to the event, the police work dog association will be having a tryout with all of the K-9’s present to see which dog will be performing the demonstration.
Southwick Police K-9 handler Mike Westcott and his K-9 General. (Photo courtesy of Southwick Police Department)
Before the family night out on Thursday, Westcott and General began training on Sunday as part of the national workshop through the North American Police Work Dog Association. Throughout the week, K-9 units have gone through patrolling, tactical techniques, and scenario-based training. With a total of 125 K-9 teams training this week, the K-9 units are training all over Western Massachusetts.
Westcott is looking forward to having the public attend the event on Thursday night.
“It’ll be a great time, hopefully all friends and family can come out and see us at the Big E,” said Westcott.
During the event, people can look at police equipment and vehicles, as well as tour the inside of helicopters.
