Colonie Police add Charlie, first explosives detection K9 for major events

Charlie has joined the Colonie Police Department as its first explosives detection K9, a 2-year-old German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix trained to cover the kinds of high-stakes searches that can slow down a major event or overwhelm a patrol officer working alone.

Handled by Officer Billy Purtell, Charlie returned from training at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany as a dual-purpose certified K9, prepared for both patrol work and explosives detection. That combination matters for a department that said Charlie’s training included realistic mass-gathering-event scenarios, the kind of drills that mirror concerts, athletic events, school functions, municipal buildings and other public spaces where speed and precision matter.

For Colonie, the addition fills a gap that general patrol tactics cannot cover as quickly. A dog like Charlie can search a vehicle line, a room, a hallway or a section of property far faster and more thoroughly than a manual check, especially when officers need to keep crowds moving and minimize disruption. At large venues, an explosives detection K9 can become the difference between a delayed opening and a focused, efficient sweep.

The move also plugs Colonie into a broader New York security network. The state has more than 300 law-enforcement explosives detection canine teams, and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has allocated more than $7.1 million since 2009 to support them. DHSES said 57 explosive detection canine teams trained at Canine Week in Oriskany from April 28 to May 2, 2025, up from 54 teams in 2024, underscoring the state’s emphasis on refreshed, scenario-based training.

Colonie Police said the department serves about 85,000 residents, employs 115 sworn officers and 50 civilian employees, and has been a New York State accredited agency since 1994. The department dates back to a Town Board resolution on January 2, 1934, so Charlie’s arrival adds a new specialization to a long-established local force.

The K9 unit already has a record of doing more than ceremonial work. K9 Eddie helped locate an armed bank robbery suspect hiding in the woods in October 2024 and was nearing retirement after nine years on the job. K9 Reese, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, works narcotics and community engagement, while Sgt. Michael Clough heads the unit. Trustco Bank also backed the program with a $2,500 grant in November 2024, a sign the department’s dog work has drawn community support as Charlie takes on a role built for crowded venues and fast-moving threats.