Unearthing The Undead 29 - ROBERT EBBERT
Badge #: 341
K-9 name: Sigmond
Robert Ebbert was one of the K-9 officers that appeared in Night of the Living Dead, along with his K-9, Sigmond. He can be seen on the passenger side of the K-9 van when it drives over the bridge, as well as in the various shots of the K-9 officers holding the dogs back from the ghouls.
The Pittsburgh Police K-9 Division was created on November 17, 1958 with two dog teams, and two handlers, Officer Julius Kmak and Officer Ben Polumbi. The initial training course consisted of 6-8 weeks and was based on the principle of training the dog and his handler together.
As the K-9 Division progressed, it included Robert Ebbert as one of the first officers of the unit, as well as Officer John King, Melvin Miller, Harry Burkey, John Daniels, Charles Schweinberg and John McAfee. They trained at the Schenley Oval in Oakland and the old fire station at 5th Ave and Dinwiddle. By 1963, it had expanded to 40 teams.
The K-9 Units worked in three shifts, 24 hrs a day and they worked 7 hr shifts. The officers were paid $2 a day for upkeep of the dog, $1 for food and $1 for transportation. The vet services were provided by the City and during off duty hours, the K-9 dogs lived at the handlers home.
During the dog's training, the dog is taught one word either in German or Japanese, which he and his owner share in confidence. When the officer utters the word, it signals the dog to attack. Another word is used to get the dog to be docile again. Pittsburgh's K-9 Division was one of the best in the country and so successful that it inspired other cities to develop their own program, often having Pittsburgh's dog trainers go and help train the other cities K-9 units.
When Officer Kmak retired on April 17, 1972, Officer Robert Ebbert succeded him as the main K-9 trainer.
In January of 1966, Ebbert's dog developed an infection in his tail which needed to be amputated. Once the proceedure was approved by Superintendent of Police James W. Slusser, about three inches of the tail was removed.
Special thanks to the Heinz History Center for their help and information.
Researched and compiled by John Vullo
Text and photos Image Ten, Inc.
If you know of any family, friends or acquaintances that appeared as extras in the original Night of the Living Dead, please contact John Vullo at jmv3683@gmail.com
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