The most recent meeting of Triad, The Right Information and Direction, held Jan. 14 in the Lehigh County Senior Center, 1633 Elm St., Allentown, featured a presentation by Allentown Police Officer Andrew Fegely and his canine partner, Harley. A group of 25 to 30 attendees learned how dogs contribute to local law enforcement.

Fegely opened the program with an exhibit of Harley's gear. He explained Harley has equipment recognition. He knows his tracking harness is worn for locating a person as opposed to his drug leash which is used when he searches for illicit substances. Harley also has a custom-made bulletproof vest; wearing this puts him on high alert.

Bred in the Netherlands, Harley is a Belgian malinois. Like his German shepherd co-workers, the malinois is an energetic dog which requires a lot of exercise. His desire to work and strong protective instincts make the malinois an excellent choice for police work.

The Allentown Police Department currently maintains five canine teams. Three of the dogs are German shepherds and two are Belgian malinois Four are used in drug detection; one specializes in bomb recognition.

Fegely and Harley began training together last April at Progressive K-9 Academy in Walnutport a training facility specializing in military and law enforcement canine teams. For two months they worked eight to 12 hours a day. Currently on active duty, the team periodically returns to Progressive K-9 to refresh its skills.

Harley's areas of expertise include tracking, long distance tracking, bite training and drug search. He is bilingual; he understands much of what Fegely tells him in English and responds to working commands given in Dutch. His greatest asset is his nose.

Human noses have five million olfactory receptors; dog noses possess 220 million. As Fegely said, when tracking or searching, "You've got to trust his nose." Harley signals the discovery of an illegal substance by barking, pawing and sitting. He is rewarded with his favorite toy and Fegely's approval. Fegely emphasizes "[Harley is] very responsive to praise and reward. That's what he lives for."

In addition to canine equipment and intense training, canine units employ technology. A hot/cold device alerts Fegely if the environment of the police car containing Harley becomes unhealthy. Should Fegely need assistance and be unable to reach the car, he activates an automatic door opener and frees Harley. In a crisis situation, Harley attaches himself to an assailant. He maintains his hold until Fegely gives the release command.

As Fegely and Harley demonstrate, canine units bring a new dimension to law enforcement. Harley aids in locating illegal substances and tracking missing persons or suspects. Bite training allows him to protect Fegely by controlling violent offenders. By employing carefully selected and highly trained dogs and handlers, the Allentown Police Department is making law enforcement more efficient for taxpayers and safer for everyone.

Triad invites senior citizens to become involved. The next meeting will convene at the Lehigh County Senior Center 4 p.m. Feb. 11. February's presentation will be announced prior to the meeting.