Monty, a Falls Township police K-9, will be retiring later this month after 10 years of dedicated service.
Monty has served as partner to Officer Edward Elmore since April 2014. Monty is cross trained in apprehension and recovery, specializing in explosive detection.
“Ten years is an ambitious target,” Elmore said. “Some dogs age out well before that.”
During their first year together, Monty helped apprehend someone involved in a burglary at Mike’s Gun Shop. To make his getaway, the burglar crawled through the ceiling cavities in neighboring businesses. Monty noticed his scent “up high”, and police ripped out ceiling tiles. The suspect’s arm came through tiles in the adjacent pizza shop and Monty jumped up and pulled him through.
Monty also helped apprehend an attempted carjacking suspect, Police received a tip the suspect was dropped off on his street. Elmore and Monty responded, but 30 or 45 minutes had gone by.
“He could’ve been anywhere at that point,” Elmore said, noting that Monty followed the suspect’s scent underneath the highway and into a drainpipe. “Monty knew. Not a second guess. Had it not been for the dog, we would’ve never come up with this guy.”
Throughout his career, Monty assisted with a bomb threat at Montgomery County’s municipal complex and with school bomb threats, officials say.
Monty is more than a police K-9. He is also a family member.
“We get up and get ready for work together,” Elmore said of his partner, a 12-year-old Belgian Malinois. “Most of our days off are up at the house. You’re bringing not just a job and a work partner but, you’re bringing a new family member home.”
As to future plans, Monty will take on the new job of notifying the Elmore family when Amazon drivers are around the corner or making sure what ingredients are in the delivered pizza, Elmore said.
“He’s always alert,” Elmore said of Monty and his other dog. “You always feel comfortable knowing that they’re around. They’re the best security system.”
Elmore will celebrate 24 years with Falls Township Police this month. He transitioned to K-9 work with Monty, his first four-legged partner, official said Monday.
His love of working as a K-9 officer has led to sacrifices, including passing up tests for promotions. As a supervisor, Elmore would not have been able to work with dogs or respond to other municipalities with his canine partner, said the township.
“I’m looking forward to taking everything I’ve learned over the last 10 years and serving with my next canine partner,” Elmore said, noting that Monty enjoys the company of other dogs and will be fast friends with Elmore’s new partner. “They are social animals. They like the company. They never like to be alone. He truly enjoys being around other people and dogs.”
Meet and Greet – Officer Elmore and Monty
Credit: Falls Township
