By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–After more than a year of searching for a new police K9, the Helena Police Department has found its new companion.

A year has passed since the Helena Police Department lost 10-year-old K9 Bak, who passed away from cancer rather suddenly near the end of November 2016.

Bak serviced the city and the Helena Police Department for close to nine years and the department looked for a new dog with similar traits and qualities after his passing.

Sanczo, a one and a half year old German Shepherd, came to the department at the end of November after training for several months at Kasseburg Canine Training Center in New Market, Alabama.

Sanczo’s handler, Helena Police Officer Marquese Jackson, will be with the dog at all times as he continues to build a bond with his new partner.

“He will be a narcotics and tracking dog,” Jackson said. “There’s several advantages to having a K9 at a department. If there’s something in a vehicle or if someone bails out from a vehicle during a traffic stop we can utilize him. His nose for one is far greater than ours so those are always some good advantages of having a K9 on shift.”

This will be Jackson’s first time working as a K9 handler and said he’s excited to begin working with Sanczo.

“I’m just excited to start working him,” Jackson said. “He’s an excellent dog and he’s probably the best one I’ve ever had.”

Jackson said whenever Sanczo does a good deed he will receive a 5-inch hose as his reward toy that he absolutely loves.

For more information on the Helena Police Department, visit Helenapolice.org.