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Montgomery Township Police Host K-9 Certification Field Trials

By Syma Chowdhry

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "Zeke" may look friendly -- but he better not find you on the other side of the law.

The Harrisburg police dog and his handler, Corporal Tyron Meik, are in Montgomery Township getting a K-9 certification.

Meik explained, "These certifications that we go through, it helps us in court and it helps us keep our dogs proficient."

Zeke is already a pro after surviving a gunshot wound from a suspect who was running from police.

Meik said, "He was shot two inches back from the corner of his mouth."

Zeke and 19 of the area's four-legged finest are being tested on their agility.

The two-day event takes place at Windlestrea Park.

Sgt. Robert Hart from the Montgomery Township Police said, "It's a yearly thing the guys been working on it throughout the year to make their dog proficient and they are here to showcase themselves."

In the agility tests the dogs jump hurdles -- do the catwalk and crawl.

Folks, like Donna Macey, came out to watch the dogs on the course.  She said, "Really appreciate the training they go through because it is hard, it's really, really tough stuff they do. I'm very impressed."

And after a day of challenges, the police dogs who pass  -- come back Sunday to test their criminal apprehension and handler protection skills...

"Come out to see the dogs, speak with the officers, and just learn about what we do exactly," Hart added.

But for Zeke -- he already passed the hardest test police dogs face in the line of duty...

Meik explained, "For officers lives he has saved, in my eyes, Zeke is a true hero."

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