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Montgomery County Police Department Gets First Female Canine Officer

By Michelle Durham

ABINGTON TWP. Pa. (CBS) – History is being made at the Abington Township Police Department.

The department's first female canine police officer, and her faithful partner Bella, are about to graduate from New Jersey's State Police Canine Academy after 18 weeks of training.

Both are anxious to get out there and serve their Montgomery County community!

Officer Jennifer Doyle has been on the force 8 years and has loved every minute, but being a canine officer has long been a goal.

"About 13 years ago I met a female canine officer who asked me to do a demonstration. Watching her having such control over her canine, I could see how much she enjoyed it and how much I enjoyed being a decoy, it was something I knew I just had to do," says Doyle.

Bella is also the first female canine to be put into service in Abington and Doyle says she's a hard worker.

"She's very good at locating evidence in the field," says Doyle.

Bella lives with her and they have a special bond.

"This is a 24 hour a day job. We have them as part of our families. We love them," Doyle explains.

Next up in March, Doyle and Bella will head to "scent school."

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