Pubdate: Tue, 25 Sep 2007
Source: Valley Independent, The (Monessen, PA)
Copyright: 2007 The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.valleyindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2641
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?237 (Drug Dogs)

POLICE DOG WILL BENEFIT MONESSEN

The Newest Member Of Monessen's Police Force Is Ready To Take A Bite 
Out Of Crime.

Police dog Dax was introduced to city council last week. The 
15-month-old German shepherd is trained to sniff out drugs and other 
suspicious substances, and to aid in searches for missing persons.

Dax came to Monessen through the efforts of officer Jim Quattro, who 
conducted a fund-raising effort earlier this year. Quattro's campaign 
brought in more than $10,000 in contributions from area residents and 
businesses. That money was used to purchase, train and take care of Dax.

The K-9 officer is being prepared for police duty by Mike Garrow, of 
Charleroi, an officer with the Uniontown Police Department.

"These dogs are an asset to the community; they are a deterrent to 
crime," said Garrow who has been training police dogs for 33 years. 
In that time he has worked with about 25 K-9 officers and given 
simple obedience lessons to hundreds of civilian pooches.

Even though Dax hasn't yet been assigned official patrol duties, he 
has already proved his worthiness as an officer. Two weeks ago, as 
Dax was undergoing training at City Park, two men were allegedly 
found smoking crack cocaine. Dax searched their car and discovered a 
crack pipe.

Last week, he assisted in a locker search at Monessen High School and 
found several suspicious lockers, which were reported to school officials.

K-9 officers are much more than just mascots for police. Their keen 
sense of smell and their intimidating presence make them valuable 
members of any department, and we hope Dax will help serve and 
protect Monessen for many years to come.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom