Crime & Safety

Meet Ace- Clinton's New K-9!

After years of work and generous donations, the Clinton Police department welcomed Ace, their new K-9, to his first day on the job this afternoon.

After graduation on Friday from the K-9 academy and six weeks of training together prior, handler Officer Greg Matakaetis has now welcomed Ace into his home where the dog will live.

"Everything is new to him right now, it's all exciting," said Matakaetis. "He's a great dog- he's social, but he can sense if something is just not right. He is very good at his job."

Ace's arrival comes courtesy of donations, as no budget dollars were used to fund the program. Ace Hardware, who the dog is named after, donated $6,500 towards the program. The department also received $5,000 from the Clinton Rotary Club, along with countless other contributors. 

Ace, who had to report to duty soon after we met, is a Malinois, a Belgian Shepherd Dog. The breed is high drive, explained Major John Carbone, and "is the best dog for police work."


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