Only Minor Hits Found During Search Of Local School Ross, the Fort Payne Police Department's drug dog, made a surprise trip to school Thursday morning to sniff out potential drug problems. Ross and his handler, Fort Payne officer Lee Traylor, checked out lockers and classrooms at Plainview High School, volunteering their time to help the DeKalb County Drug Task Force in an unannounced visit to the school. Traylor and Ross arrived at the school at 8:30 a.m., along with Task Force officer Mitch Dendy, County Deputy Paul Bell and Rainsville Assistant Chief Joel York and officer Randy Waldrop. [continues 607 words]
Mayor Cites Cost As Major Factor For Limiting The Police Unit Fort Payne's tactical police unit is on life-support. It will continue to be available for the city's use, but the city is through paying overtime costs coming from events outside of Fort Payne. The unit, based out of the Fort Payne Police Department, has specialized equipment and training to handle a variety of situations, from hostage-takers to drug raids. The tactical unit, similar to other cities' swat teams, was not mentioned during Tuesday's regular city council meeting or the preceding work session. The executive session was closed to the public. [continues 478 words]
