The Norfolk Police Department has put a new cruiser, fit for Community Resource Dog Mitch, into service.

The new cruiser, a 2023 Chevy Tahoe PPV- N11, was put into service on Monday, March 18. Photos courtesy Norfolk Police Department.

The new cruiser, a 2023 Chevy Tahoe PPV- N11, was put into service on Monday, March 18. 

The SUV serves as a replacement for a Norfolk Police cruiser that was totaled after it was hit by an alleged drunk driver in August 2023. Funding for the new cruiser came from an insurance reimbursement from the previous cruiser that was involved in the crash.

The cruiser features new transportation and safety measures to best protect the health and well-being of Community Resource Dog Mitch and his handler Sgt. Joe Choiniere.

Should the temperature in the vehicle rise above 90 degrees, a safety system will automatically drop windows on either side of the kennel, turn on a window fan to circulate outside air, implement a unique horn pattern and alert Sgt. Choiniere via a pager on his duty belt.

“Mitch is an essential member of our department and of our community,” said Police Chief Timothy Heinz. “We are proud to present Mitch and Sgt. Choiniere with a cruiser that will meet their needs and help them to best serve the Norfolk community.”