Amid the controversy over the militarization of police departments through their acquisition of ever more advanced and deadly weapons and equipment previously known only for its value to troops serving in war-torn regions of the world, there is one tool used by police departments around the nation that has proved effective and appropriate and with a fraction of the controversy: dogs.

Suffolk has had K-9 officers since the police department here started the program in 2004, and the dogs have proved during that time to be among the city’s best crime-fighting tools. With four K-9 units operating in the city, Suffolk police have been able to track criminals and lost people, sniff out drugs, clear areas where there have been bomb threats and apprehend dangerous criminals more efficiently than ever before.

One of the best and most highly decorated of those K-9 officers recently died, having been euthanized when treatment for hip problems uncovered tumors in its lungs. Otto, a sable-colored German shepherd, was the patrol partner of Master Police Officer Tyson Wild, and the two forged a bond that lasted through nine years of Otto’s police service and then for more than a year of the dog’s retirement in the Wild home.

Otto had quite a reputation in Suffolk, according to Wild, who said the dog was known for his aggressiveness while on duty, but known nearly as well for his gentleness with the Wild family, including two children. “A lot of people say it’s just like a light switch,” Wild said. “When he got in the car, he was nasty as could be, and when he got home, he turned off and was a typical dog.”

There’s a special bond between K-9 and handler, and Officer Wild clearly enjoys reminiscing about the time the pair spent together. Wild has a new K-9 now, Chamba, which he describes as being just as capable as Otto, but with a different disposition. Learning to train and manage the new dog has been a challenge, but it’s one that Wild clearly has enjoyed.

The K-9 program has been an excellent use of city resources and a fine addition to the Suffolk Police Department.