“Justice” Comes to APD

Chief Somerville and village officials identified a need for a new K-9 dog to help police cope with drug and gang crimes, but there were not enough funds for such an expense.  After the issue became public at a Village Board meeting, Chief Craig Somerville received dozens of offers from across the nation for a new dog.

A Round Lake Park District police officer clued Somerville in on a Libertyville-based foundation, the D.A.S. Charitable Trust, which has funded other Lake County K-9 units. Within hours after contact was made with D.A.S Trustee’s, the village had funding to buy, train and maintain a new police dog.

Veteran Officer Chuck Smith was selected as Justice’s handler and training for both Officer Smith and Justice began immediately at TOPS Canine Training in Grayslake.

SquadWorks Emergency Vehicle Outfitters in Round Lake Park donated 60 hours of labor to rehab Antioch’s old K-9 vehicle and Hainesville Mayor Linda Soto donated a light bar for the rebuilt K-9 squad.

Chief Somerville introduced Justice at a recent Village Board meeting stating, “This shows you what can be done when communities work together.”

Justice was named by 10 students in the D.A.R.E. program at Antioch Lower Grade and Oakland Grade schools who all came up with the German shepherd’s new name.

Justice is trained in a variety of police functions including: tracking people, lost/missing children, stolen articles, narcotic searches and cadaver searches.  Justice is also an avid swimmer.

The members of the Antioch Police Department are proud and excited to be working with Justice.