COLLEGEDALE – The newest addition to the Collegedale Police Department K9 program is an 81-pound Belgian Malinois from Hungary whose name is Maxim.

Maxim, who will turn two-years-old in January, will be serving alongside his partner, Officer Shawn Lewis.

“I’ve always wanted to be a canine handler,” shared Officer Lewis. “Maxim and I are extremely grateful for this opportunity to serve the citizens of Collegedale.”

The new team completed a four-week police canine course at Southern Coast K9 in New Smyrna, Florida, consisting of 160 intensive training hours. Their graduation was last week, and since then, Maxim, who is certified in narcotics detection and tracking, has already worked his first shift.

The Malinois, or Belgian Shepherd dog, is historically a herding dog and protector of farm and family. Often mistaken for the German Shepherd breed, Malinois are leaner and more energetic. They are very loyal and eager to please, a trait that suits them perfectly as police and military K9s.