Wireless remote worn on vest prop the vehicle door releasing canine for immediate response.
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) — Who do you call for backup when you’re patrolling alone? Man’s best friend. The 96th Security Forces Squadron modified a military working dog squad car last summer with a safety feature that protects both the dog handler and their canine companion while out on patrol.
Danger is ubiquitous in the security forces line of work, with situations susceptible to escalate or de-escalate at any moment. The dog handler may engage an individual, and if that person becomes combative toward the SFS member, a way to open the rear door of the patrol vehicle for the canine’s help comes in handy.
“If we are by ourselves, our dog acts as our backup,” said Tech Sgt. Michael Castilleja, 96th SFS MWD trainer.”
Dog handlers use the canines as another line of defense only when necessary, and the automatic door gives the dog handler the option at their discretion.
“All the handler will need to do is press the button to pop open the door and the dog is released,” said Tech Sgt. David Garver, 96th SFS kennel master.
