Hutch, a retired K-9 officer, served the Jackson Township Police Department for nine years before retiring last year. Officer Vaughn Pulgini was his handler. Hutch now lives with Pulgini.

JACKSON TWP — Retired K-9 officer Hutch, an 11-year-old German shepherd, served the township police department for nine years before his tenure ended last year.

Now Hutch serves as a learning tool for children through a book about him.

Melisa Pulgini, a North Hills resident and sister of Hutch’s handler, township officer Vaughn Pulgini, recently published the 17-page book, “Meet Officer Hutch.” The book is meant to teach children about K-9 officers and their handlers and what they do.

“It’s more of a general introduction,” Melisa Pulgini said. “They’ll be able to get some basic information and maybe in just looking at the pictures be more comfortable.”

It is dedicated to “all the working dogs and their handlers.”

The book was a “work in progress” and was first thought of when Hutch joined the force at 15 months old.

“I have been in the education field for about 18 years, and one of my brother’s earliest assignments was to be the school resource officer,” Melisa Pulgini said. “I was thinking, what is a K-9 officer to a child? What does that mean?”

The book includes photographs of Hutch on the job, at home and on vacation.

“We wanted to include the family side of the dog,” Pulgini said. “He really is such an important part of Vaughn’s family and our extended family.”

Pulgini has a German shepherd of her own named Phinny.

Although retired from the police department, Hutch still has the drive to be involved.

“He is extremely jealous,” Pulgini said. “He still wants to go to work.”

Hutch assisted in tracking, finding narcotics and patrolling schools.

“It’s a huge asset to the community,” Pulgini said about the K-9 program.

The police department is continuing its K-9 program with Aron, another German shepherd that started service in September with Pulgini as his handler.

Although Aron also lives with Pulgini, he does not share quarters in the house with Hutch.

Melisa Pulgini said a book about Aron may be in the works.

“Meet Officer Hutch” can be found on Amazon.

Additional proceeds may go toward the Jackson Township Police Canine Fund at the police department.