BUFFALO, N.Y. β A familiar face with the NFTA Police has a new partner.
Officer Dina Bigham has been with the Transit Authority Police Department for going on nine years, and she was recently matched up with a new K-9. Rea is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd, mix.
They've been paired up since Rea arrived at Officer Bigham's home, straight from a Texas air force base in November.
"Rea came to me certified in explosive odor. She had only been on the base for about six months. and she had no manners, no obedience, so we've been working on that every day since," Officer Bigham said. "She's a wild child, so it's been a challenge, but it's really fun."
This is Officer Bigham's second time getting aquatinted with a new K-9. You may remember her former partner, Eci, who worked security at the Super Bowl last year. Eci retired at the end of 2023 due to arthritis and a cancer diagnosis.
"It's been a transition. We have seven bomb dogs with my department, and I'm the first one to get a second dog," Officer Bigham said. "I was the first one to go through it, and go through the experience, and the transition in the household and at work, and everyone's been so supportive."
Right now it's about balance, between caring for Eci, who Officer Bigham adopted, and getting used to living and working with Rea.
"Trying to decide my time between caring for her, and then dedicating even just the emotional side of bonding with the new dog, who's here to work and be ready to play and go to work every day," Bigham said. "The first few times I left the house without Eci, I was like I'm coming back I promise, we'll play, I'm still here for you. But she seems to be doing well with that, we've been keeping her busy."
One thing bringing their family peace of mind is all the people who have sent Eci gifts and stepped up to help.
A non-profit called Project K9 Hero is taking care of a lot of her medical bills.
"They've been a godsend," Officer Bigham said. "They've been really supportive, they check in all the time with updates on her, and we send pictures and they've been so amazing with taking care of her."
So next time you see Officer Bigham working at one of the NFTA metro stations, bus stops, or the airport, be sure to say hello to her new partner and help welcome her to the force.
"Everyone's always welcome to come say hi. We maybe keep a little more distance with Rea than we did with Eci," Officer Bigham said. "If I had to pick a different dog I don't think I could. She's been a great replacement."