AH Police Buy New K9 German Shepherd, Reno

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The Arlington Heights Police Department has a new four-legged member of the force. Reno is a police dog that the department purchased in October to fill the vacancy left by Max, who retired in September.

This is the sixth Arlington Heights police dog since the program was started in 2008, according to the department. The German Shepherd is a dual-purpose patrol that will be used to find illegal drugs, track missing persons and find dropped items, such as weapons, at a crime scene, police said.

The recruit also will be able to assist in apprehending fleeing suspects and protect officers if they are attacked, police said. The department also will use Reno, a social dog, in demonstrations that allow interaction with the public, something police canines aren't routinely able to do.

RELATED: AHeights Police Dog Max Retires After 8 Years

Reno was born June 12, 2017, in Slovakia, and he is currently attending canine school at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana. He is expected to graduate in December and will work the patrol division's midnight shift, police said.

When a Facebook commenter asked how much Reno was being paid, the department answered: "Biscuits and tennis balls."

Reno, the sixth and newest dog for the Arlington Heights Police Department. (Photos via the Arlington Heights Police Department)