The Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives (CSSKNSI) held a donation ceremony on Wednesday at the Independence Square in support of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to hand over a German shepherd to the police K-9 Unit. In addition, the ceremony provided an opportunity to share the importance of proper animal care to the general public. The CSSKNSI was formed to promote unity through one voice representing several organizations on the island.

“I am appreciative that the coalition has chosen to invest in the safety of our community,” said Commissioner Celvin G. Walwyn, Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. “I would like to thank the group for providing us with another tool in the fight against crime as we take back the streets of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The newest canine (dog) member of the police force was primarily funded by Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino with the support of the other members of the CSSKNSI, including Christophe Harbour. COO LeGrand Elebash was in attendance to show support for the Coalition and newest contribution to the Police Force.

The police dog, Prego, was selected with guidance from the Commissioner based on his experience with other canine programs in the U.S.  Prego and his handler, Constable Julius Wyatt of the Criminal Investigations Department, completed a month-long course at a law enforcement dog training facility. Prego shares a bond with Constable Wyatt and will protect his handler and himself from physical threat. He will apprehend, release, and recall from pursuit on command.

Wyatt and, his canine partner, Prego then executed a live demonstration as affirmation of Prego’s tracking skills. In this exercise, an instrument was dragged through grass and hidden behind a nearby tree. Prego was able to locate the item effortlessly by following its scent—keeping his focus through the bustling school children that had crowded the Square.

The ceremony concluded with representatives of the CSSKNSI presenting the Commissioner of Police, with Prego’s police uniform and feeding bowls. The commissioner officially welcomed Prego to the Police Force.