Officer Rachel Pyle just became the first female canine handler in West Chester Police Department history! She just completed an intensive 12-week training program at the Middletown Police Canine Academy, along with the newest member of our department -- Canine Ripley, a 13-month-old German Shepherd.

Officer Pyle and Canine Ripley are now prepared to work together as a highly-effective team in a variety of law-enforcement situations, which include tracking, narcotics detection, article searches and handler protection. This brings our department another resource to assist officers and help keep our community safe.

"We sincerely thank the Middletown Police Department for Ripley’s training, which was provided at no cost to West Chester taxpayers. It’s a great example of how agencies work together to strengthen public safety," said Captain Paul Lovell of the West Chester Police Department.

As Officer Pyle and Canine Ripley begin their service together and become an integral part of the police department, we are excited and confident that their training, dedication and teamwork will make a positive impact on the community. With their addition, the Canine Unit is now fully staffed with three canines.