PULASKI, N.Y. -- Earlier this summer, the New York State DEC began training three new K-9's. They're taught to recognize and detect animals and meat, track scents, people and even shell casings.
It's not a new process. The DEC has used K-9s since the late 1970s. But what is different this year is the newest handler.
"It's a great honor. It's humbling. I'm still kind of in shock that I'm in this position," said DEC ECO Fay Fuerch, the first female in the department's 38 years to hold this job.
While honored and humbled, she's quick to point out that she isn't different and doesn't want to be looked at any differently than the men doing the same job. But for many women, it's more important than ever to understand the glass ceiling and acknowledge when it does comes down. Fuerch gets that.
"Absolutely," she said. "If I can inspire another female to get into this job and perhaps go for a K-9 position, absolutely. However, I just see myself as another officer, like the 300 other guys that are out in the field right now."
Her partner, Handley, is a nearly two-year-old German shepherd Fuerch describes as a handful, but a great work dog already showing tremendous loyalty. They've only been together four months, but she knows he's the perfect partner.
"There is a strong bond," Fuerch said. "However, there's obviously going to be a stronger one as we go on, and just the fact that he's going to be with me every day watching my back, and possibly saving my life or another officer's life, is a good feeling."
The new partners will be stationed in Lowville, but could be sent anywhere in the state for an assignment or investigation.
Handley is named after long-time DEC Lieutenant Chris Handley. He died of cancer shortly after retiring. Fuerch says she was honored the dog was named after him.