The Sedalia Police Department announced the newest member of its team.

K9 “Ace,” a 14-month-old Belgian Malinoisas joins the police department as Officer Fox’s partner. K9 Ace came to the United States all the way from Poland.

According to SPD, Officer Fox is the department’s first female K9 handler. She joined the department in 2019 and has worked hard to step into the demanding new role.

Officer Fox and Ace are scheduled to begin their eight week training course in mid-October, which will take place in Boone County. Ace is expected to be fully trained and is scheduled to start working the streets of Sedalia around the first of December.

Officials say canines are valued members of the department and play a vital role in assisting its officers with protecting the community.