Dakota to follow in paw prints of Digger

In mid-June of this year, Tom Hammonds of Grays River called me and offered to donate an AKC lab for the purpose of a narcotics K-9 detection unit. I explained to Mr. Hammonds that the budget was set a year in advance and that I wasn’t sure I could accept his offer, but I would research it. Such a program could only occur if it were to be fully funded by donations. Undersheriff Mark Howie, Deputy Gary Howell and I discussed the potential K-9 unit to see if we should proceed. Mr. Hammonds understood it had to basically cost zero dollars to the sheriff’s office and county before I would entertain such a notion.

I believe every community should have the benefits of a narcotics detection K-9, not a patrol K-9 (bite dog), but a narcotics K-9. This helps us do our job more efficiently and effectively in a variety of ways. A dog can improve public safety and enhance patrol and investigative procedures. The presence of a narcotics K-9 in our schools, community and even jail aids law enforcement in the fight against illegal drugs. A trained K-9 detects the odor of controlled substances such as meth, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. A service dog that is approachable and friendly helps build a community-oriented police approach with our citizens. I know this first hand as I was a narcotics K-9 handler for seven years with Digger. Comments are still made to this day of how Digger “The Drug Dog” impacted individuals in one way or another. In my opinion, a narcotics K-9 was one of the best things the sheriff’s office has done in the past.

The details of implementing and sustaining such a program have worked out well. K-9 trainer Diane Marrow, who trained Digger in the mid 1990’s (and continues to train our Search and Rescue dogs here in the county), is willing to donate her services. Deputy Gary Howell was asked to be the handler, and he gladly and whole-heartedly accepted. Dakota was tested to see if she had the sustained interest/drive to be a narcotics detection K-9, and she does. Deputy Howell has gotten veterinarian services donated by Dr. Goza in Astoria, Ore. We have existing K-9 equipment that can be utilized, so there is no additional cost. I have spoken to several people and businesses in the last couple of weeks and many have offered their financial support.

The Board of County Commissioners was informed of the endeavor, and we have received positive responses. I presented the proposal to them on July 12. It is my hope that this program will provide a valuable resource to the citizens of Wahkiakum County.