Zulu and Voodoo continue LPD’s K9 program

LACONIA — Some of the police department’s newest officers have four legs, not two.

Laconia police acquired two American Labradors this fall, and they, alongside their handlers, are already working the city streets.

The department’s longtime working dog Abby is transitioning to retirement. A 9.5-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands, he’s served the city admirably for seven years. His handler, Patrol Officer Kyle Jepsen, will keep Abby at home from now on.

“He’s retired, living the good life now,” Jepsen said. “He earned it.”

The police department's newest K9 recruits are Zulu and Voodoo. Their handlers, patrol officers Autumn Bettez and Alicia Larsen, are excited to continue the program. Zulu is 1 year old, and Voodoo is 18 months old. Their typical career lasts seven or eight