Pubdate: Mon, 13 Nov 2006
Source: Marietta Times, The (OH)
Copyright: 2006 The Marietta Times
Contact:  http://www.mariettatimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2988
Author: Jolene Craig, Special to The Times

POLICE OFFICER SEEKS NEW K-9

BELPRE -- A Belpre police officer wants to raise money  to purchase a 
new K-9 to help weed drugs out of the  city.

"We have a bad drug problem and it is getting worse now  that our K-9 
unit has left," said Officer Terry  Williams.

The Belpre Police Department's K-9 Officer Scott Smeeks  and dog 
Dutch left the city department in September to  work for the 
Washington County Sheriff's Department,  said Mayor Bill McAfee.

"Now, if we have a problem we have to call the  sheriff's department 
for a K-9 unit, and it would be  easier if we had our own," McAfee said.

In an effort to raise the $10,100 needed to purchase a  new K-9, 
Williams has organized two fund-raisers next  month.

"The city said that if I raise the money, then I will  be the K-9 
officer," Williams said.

McAfee said the city cannot afford to purchase a new  K-9, and 
fund-raising is the only way for the police  department to get a new dog.

"This is the only way we can get a new dog and the city  will still 
have to fork over some money to pay for  (Terry) Williams' training 
and other expenses," McAfee  said. "Whatever we have to pay will be 
well worth it."

The first fund-raiser will be an auction on Dec. 9 at  5:30 p.m. at 
Scott Auction Service at 214 Stone Road.

"I am currently taking donations of items to auction,"  Williams said.

So far, rafting trips, hotel visits and other items are  on the block 
for the event.

"I will take donations until the day of the auction,"  Williams said.

The other fund-raiser will be an all-you-can-eat  biscuits and gravy 
breakfast at Hardee's in Belpre, at  1801 Washington Boulevard on 
Dec. 16. Tickets for the  breakfast are $5 and can be purchased at 
Hardee's, the  city building, Belpre Kroger and the Belpre Fire 
Department Bingo.

McAfee said he has confidence in Williams' abilities to  raise the 
money and to be a good K-9 officer.

"Terry (Williams) is a very capable young man and good  officer, and 
he has the dedication to raise the money  and work with the dog," McAfee said.

For more information or to donate items for the  auction, contact 
Williams at the Belpre Police  Department at (740) 423-7631.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine