Ritchie Helps Welcome Ogdensburg Police Department's Newest Member “Schuyler”

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently visited the City of Ogdensburg Police Department to meet its newest member, Schuyler. Schuyler, a Belgian Malinois, will serve as the department’s K9. 

“K9 units have become a critical part of policing. Not only do they help track down criminals, but they are able to detect illegal drugs and contraband,” Senator Ritchie said. “They also able help bridge the gap between police and the people they serve through school visits and special appearances at community events. Schuyler will be a welcome and important part of the City of Ogdensburg’s efforts to improve safety in the community.”

Schuyler replaces the department’s first ever K9, “Kodiak,” who retired earlier this year after four years of service.  Kodiak contributed to the arrest of 130 people and hundreds of seizures of illegal drugs and contraband. Kodiak is now spending his retirement with his handler, Sergeant Mark Kearns. 

“We cannot thank Kodiak enough for what he did to help this department keep the City of Ogdensburg safer and to bring joy and smiles to so many faces,” City of Ogdensburg Police Chief Andrew Kennedy said.

“Schuyler is ready to pick up where Kodiak left off and we are so proud to call her one of our own. Thanks to Senator Ritchie we are able to keep this critical program alive in Ogdensburg and make the city a better place to live, work and enjoy.”

Senator Ritchie secured a $28,000 grant to help Ogdensburg obtain Schuyler and to train her and her new partner, City of Ogdensburg Police Patrolman Ryan Polniak. They grant also allowed the department to purchase several items the K9 unit will need, including a door popper to automatically open Schuyler’s door in an emergency, a bite suit and sleeve, a vehicle search kit, a kennel and more.

In addition, the department was able to use part of the grant to buy a tactical building-entry tool kit for the department's criminal investigations/narcotics enforcement unit.

(In the picture above, Senator Ritchie is with City of Ogdensburg Patrolman Ryan Polniak and Schuyler (left) and City of Ogdensburg Police Chief Andrew Kennedy (right))