Springdale Twp. police dog to sink teeth into crime
Merlyn will begin to work his magic in Springdale Township this month. No, not Merlin the magician, but Merlyn the police dog.
Officer Michael Naviglia, a part-time police officer for the township, single-handedly led the effort to create the township's first K-9 unit, which will be fully working by the end of January.
Naviglia bought Merlyn, a long-haired German shepherd, in 1999 as a puppy from an Erie breeder to train him as a police dog.
During the past three years, Naviglia has worked with nationally renowned dog trainer Pat Maloney of Penn Hills to train Merlyn in narcotics detection, as well as in tracking and apprehension.
Merlyn is now certified to detect marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. He also can sniff out OxyContin and Ecstasy, but has yet to be certified for the detection of these substances.
Naviglia, who is an experienced dog handler, approached the township more than one year ago about establishing a K-9 unit.
"I have always wanted to do this," Naviglia said.
He received the support of the township commissioners, as well as a $1,900 grant from the office of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zapalla Jr.
"We feel it's a wonderful opportunity for us, and we are excited to have an officer on board that already had the dog trained. It's a great savings for us," said township commissioner George Manning.
The grant received two weeks ago was used largely to retrofit an older township police car into a K-9 cruiser. Decals were applied to the car and the windows were tinted to protect the dog on hot days. A canine insert will be installed next week in the rear of the car.
When these final preparations are complete, Merlyn will be ready for action pending final approval from the municipality. He also will be available to provide help to neighboring townships.
"He'll come to work with me every day. It is another tool the police department can use to deter people from using drugs," Naviglia said.
Naviglia did not point to an increase in drug use in Springdale Township but said drugs have become easier to get. Naviglia already has used Merlyn for a couple of drug searches in the township.
While Merlyn's main focus is police work, he also is no stranger to the stage. The German shepherd has been the star canine at several assemblies at Colfax and Springdale Elementary Schools, as well as Our Lady of Victory day care in Springdale Township.
"It's an easy way to interact with the kids. The kids will approach you a lot more with a dog. They want to talk to you and pet the dog," Naviglia said.
