Police dogs and their handlers trained with helicopters in Suffern Thursday to help the K-9 units become more effective.

Training exercises were held at an elementary school field in Suffern to make sure the dogs are not afraid of helicopters. Usually the police canines search for bombs, drugs and suspects. Sometimes that means there is a helicopter flying above. Other times, a dog may get into a helicopter to go to another location.

Officers say the dogs get acclimated to the new environment quickly because of the trust they have in their handlers. The goal is to put the dog at ease to increase chances of a successful search. K-9 officers from Rockland and Orange counties and the MTA were part of the training session.