South Whitehall’s police K-9 program is in the process of acquiring a new dog to take the place of Cirrus who retired last year.

Police Capt. Jason Negron spoke to The Press at the July 18 commissioners’ meeting.

“It looks promising to be soon,” Negron said.

He said the dog will probably be a Dutch Shepherd with a brindle coat, a breed typically longer and leaner than a German shepherd dog.

The dog will come from Holland where it will receive training in tracking, bite work and commands.

Negron said bite work may be necessary to capture bad guys.

He also reported four candidates from the police department have expressed interest in becoming the handler for the new dog.

They will be given a chance to do commands with the dog while being observed on their relationship with the animal.

“The handler has to be in control,” Negron said.

After the handler and dog have been paired, they will undergo training for eight weeks, particularly for explosives and narcotics detection, while also reinforcing other skills.

The new dog will join Kimber, who is handled by Officer Colin Beaumont, in the K-9 program.

Cirrus had to retire when his handler, Kyle Golden, was promoted to sergeant, as officers of that rank are not allowed to have a K-9.

However, Golden was permitted to keep Cirrus as his own personal pet.

South Whitehall has contracted with Progressive K-9 to provide the new dog and its training.

The police budget has $19,650 in the K-9 account but does not expect to need that much for the new acquisition.