As many people may or may not know, the Village of Norridge Police Department has a

4-legged K-9 Officer named “Turbo.” 

 

He joined the Norridge Police Department on June 23, 2002 after 10 weeks of K-9 Training at T.O.P.S. Kennels in Grayslake, IL.  Turbo was born in Germany on September 9, 2000 and at 6 months was deemed by his breeder to be 2 centimeters too short to follow in his paternal line of champion show dogs.  He was named by his trainer at the time of his arrival to the United States.  Training with Turbo in the beginning was tedious. In particular, he didn’t like the obstacle course at all, but as the days went on he became more acclimated to it.  We trained night and day and rain or shine.  After successfully completing the training course, it was time for Turbo to take his skills and abilities to the streets of Norridge.  

 

Turbo has a very exceptional educational background and is aggressively trained in many facets of law enforcement.  He is handled in areas of drug detection, building searches, tracking, and handler protection.  Hopefully, if you see Turbo coming at you, it is for a good reason; otherwise beware because his jaws have the biting strength of 1100 pounds. Ouch!  He packs a mean bite.  He has a phenomenal sense of smell and it has been proven not only on the street, but at school demonstrations for D.A.R.E. or Safety Town.  Just to get an idea of his sense of smell: take around 10,000 people and roll all of their noses into one, this is the equivalency of Turbo’s nose. 

 

On regular patrol, Turbo has proven himself and he continues to be a great asset not only to the Norridge Police Department but also to the surrounding-area towns who seek him out.  He is always ready for duty and willing to help at anytime.  He has aided in finding drugs, capturing fleeing felons, and doing building and vehicle searches.   One problem we face is that we don’t like to see crime, but he can’t get enough of it and loves every minute of it.  And he even knows his call number of “507” over the radio and goes crazy in the squad car.

 

In his home life he is just like one of the kids and he even listens like they do! When not on duty, he loves to play with my sons Michael and Sean and especially likes taking walks with my wife Kathy and myself.  Everyone needs to forget about work and have some fun, even Turbo. And the next day when it is time to get ready for work Turbo is ready to go in an instant.  He is a great partner and the Village of Norridge is proud to have him as an officer.  

 

So next time you see Turbo or squad car “507” say Hi to Turbo; he is here helping protect Norridge. Just don’t get too close to the car!