Detective Keith Hilderbrand is the handler for K-9 Rebel, the newest officer to join the St. Clair Township Police Department. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP — The St. Clair Township Police Department’s new officer is a 2-year-old German Shepherd named Rebel.

Detective Keith Hilderbrand went to Shallow Creek Kennels, known for grooming police dogs, in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, to select the K-9. Rebel was chosen from the three dogs Hilderbrand looked at based on a connection he felt with the K-9 while walking with him.

The K-9 is originally from the Chech Republic and following 12 weeks of training serves as a dual-purpose dog trained in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension.

Rebel began his training on March 20, graduated on April 28 and is now serving as an officer in the police department.

Rebel joins K-9 Noras, also a German Shepherd, at the department.

The reason for getting Rebel at this time is because 6-year-old Noras will be nearing retirement age soon.

“This way we can have a nice transition between a senior dog and a new dog working together,” Hilderbrand said.

Hilderbrand said being a K-9 officer is something he has always wanted to do. Before becoming a K-9 handler, he was a part of the drug task force.

“It’s something I enjoy, and I take it kind of personal,” he said.

Hilderbrand has seen how drugs affect people and believes the more tools he has to fight against drugs the better.

While the police department chipped in approximately $15,000 for Rebel, his training, the police car and outfitting the police car for him, the department’s K-9 program is solely funded by donations and fundraisers. Food for the K-9 is provided by Tractor Supply.

“Around here we have pretty good support for the ‘PD’ as a whole,” Hilderbrand said.

The cost for buying the car and outfitting the car for the dog was over $40,000, and the training and the dog itself cost $15,500.

Rebel is still in need of body armor, but Hilderbrand is currently working on grant applications to get the funding to get him one.

Rebel had only been on the road with Hilderbrand for three days as of Thursday and has not been utilized yet.

Rebel will officially be sworn in and presented his badge during the St. Clair Township trustees meeting Monday.

Kgarabrandt@mojonews.com