Escanaba Public Safety Officer Aaron Young and his new K-9, Enzo. (Photo courtesy of Escanaba Department of Public Safety via Escanaba Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Local law enforcement has a new officer, but he is a little different from his new co-workers in that he speaks Dutch and walks on four legs.

Enzo, a 10-month-old Dutch Shepherd, is the new Escanaba Public Safety K-9, handled by Officer Aaron Young.

Enzo, roughly 50 pounds, is an energetic and sweet dog from Holland, Netherlands. He was donated to Escanaba Public Safety by an anonymous donor.

“He is such a good boy,” Young said.

Enzo and Young received their training from D & D Dog Dynamics in Escanaba.

The training took slightly over four months, but now Enzo is trained in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension.

Young said Enzo is able to detect methamphetamines, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy) and heroin.

He said that he has always been interested in the narcotic field but wanted a partner who could sense and smell what he couldn’t.

“I wanted to get a tool that could help me, and honestly, it helps more than just me,” Young explained.

Enzo benefits not only Young but also the agency and other surrounding agencies should they need K-9 assistance.

Enzo doesn’t just work for the department; in his free time, he is Young’s best friend.

“He’s been staying inside, and he’s a very good house dog,” Young said.

Enzo has his own bed in front of the TV and enjoys watching movies with Young and his fiancee.

Originally, Young thought Enzo would be an outside dog, even building an outdoor kennel for his new partner.

However, Enzo is partial to being inside instead of outside.

“He does not like it outside. He loves it inside, and he’s good inside,” Young said.

When he’s not working, Enzo is a playful, goofy boy who loves a good toy, particularly his ball on a string.

Young said Enzo will grab the toy by the string and spin around in circles while the ball floats in the air.

“That’s what he loves to do,” he said.

Enzo loves people, but Young requests people to ask him before engaging with the K-9 as he is on the clock.

Enzo and Young go everywhere together, which is one of the many benefits that Young enjoys about his position.

“(I’m) looking for a good, healthy, long career with him,” he said.

Even though Enzo and Young are certified, they still train each month, as they are required to complete 16 hours of additional training.

Enzo is now the second K-9 in the department, along with K-9 Cigo, handled by Young’s brother, Austin Young.

Enzo will celebrate his first birthday on Christmas this year.