The Melrose Police Department is pleased to welcome a new explosives detection K9 to the department, and to introduce the Labrador retriever named Giselle to the community she will help protect.

Giselle began training as a guide dog, but when she was a year old she was selected to attend the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Explosive Detection Canine Program.

Giselle was paired with her handler, Melrose Officer Sean Morris, while both were at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia.

During a 10-week training academy, Giselle learned to detect a vast number of explosives and firearms. While the ATF training program focuses on explosives detection, K9s that complete the program also are conditioned to detect smokeless powder and other explosive fillers often used in firearms. This means the trained K9 can detect firearms and ammunition that are hidden in containers, vehicles, or on people.

Giselle graduated from the academy last month and became a certified explosive detection K9, with Officer Morris on hand to graduate with her.

Giselle will support the mission of the Melrose Police Department, the ATF, and other local law enforcement agencies who need her services.

Her duties will include searching crime scenes, assisting with service of search warrants, and assisting with protective sweeps for explosives at all community events.

“Giselle may look like a cute, young dog — and she is — but she is also a highly-trained member of the Melrose Police Department who will contribute to public safety in Melrose and the entire region as she puts her skills to work protecting the community,” Chief Lyle said. “We are excited to welcome Giselle and her important skillset to our department.”