With police dogs and narcotics detection playing an ever-increasing role in drug interdiction, the certified training and testing of these animals becomes crucial. In West Virginia some of the training is accomplished by The Mountaineer Working Dog Association (MWDA) of the Barbour County Tactical Search and Recovery Team.
The Mountaineer Working Dog Association was started in 2005 to “assist K-9 handlers in law enforcement, corrections, and security fields in obtaining high quality training and certifications.” President Chuck Lott and Administrative Officer Albert Hawkins were both on hand to administer the certification tests.
The humidity, 90-plus degree temperatures, and changing breeze directions played a role in how quickly the K-9 teams detected the hidden narcotics. All 20 dogs detected large and small amounts of drugs. One dog missed the scent on the first pass near the stashed drugs, but picked up the scent immediately when the breeze direction changed. Also all dogs were able to locate marijuana hidden in a plastic bag and buried in the gravel of the lot.
The size and presence of the dogs on hand was impressive. Most dogs weighed in at over 100 pounds and ranged in ages from under one year to 10 years old. Without exception the dogs were well-behaved and obeyed the handler’s commands, some of which were given in Dutch or German. The most prevalent breed was German Shepherd, but there were Dutch Shepherds, Malinois, and a Yellow Lab also.
K-9 Units represented:
From Wetzel County Sheriff’s Department: Rob Haught and Mauser, and Rob Scott and the only Yellow Lab at the seminar, Hawk;
From New Martinsville Police Department: Donnie Harris and Tommy, and Tony Thomas and Ryder.
From Belmont County Sheriff’s Office: Steven Curfman and Max, Timothy Scott and Ringo, Ron Miro and Greta, and Joe Kress and Kaiser.
From Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office: Curt Thomas and Yar, Greg Rhodes and Moose, and Randy Stockette and Wilson;
Morgantown Police Department: Mike Bloniarz and Natan.
From Marshall County Sheriff’s Office: Chad Young and Dero; and Steve Cook and Nero;
From Martins Ferry Police Department: John Bumba and Jasgo-Rock;
From Smithfield (Ohio) Police Department: Robert S. Glendenning and Ahron;
From Ohio County Sheriff’s Office: Tim Gessler and Arie; and
From West Virginia State Police: Clint Lantz and Jarno.
Instructors were Jason Cooper and Angie Cooper of Precision K-9 Services; Chuck Lott of the Morgantown Police Department; Albert Hawkins of the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; Bob Mefford of the West Virginia State Police; and Rob Haught and Rob Scott from Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office.
The dogs were tested on drugs inside and outside of cars, in an outside area, in airplanes, and in an enclosed area such as a room. According to MWDA President Lott, K-9 teams train at least 40 hours in a two-month period. To pass the tests conducted at the local training dogs must successfully complete six out of six “hides.” Teams were also tested and trained on suspect apprehension. The seminar was for 24 hours of credit.
K-9 training is an ongoing process and the units work for years to become proficient as a team. Training hours are meticulously logged for future reference in court cases where the use of the dogs can be challenged. The typical K-9 team has logged hundreds of hours of training and in-service education, even after completing the basic handler school.
The Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office would like to express their appreciation to the following sponsors of this event who either gave donations, food for the cook out, giveaway items for the raffle drawing, lunches for the trainees, use of properties for the training sites, or in other ways showed their generosity in assisting and supporting the seminar: Ron Shupbach; Quinet’s Court Restaurant; AAA Homes; Tractor Supply; Steve Steele of Steele Construction (old 84-Lumber location); Witschey’s; Sistersville IGA; City of New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department; The Wetzel County Commission for the use of the 4-H Grounds; and Mayo’s Exxon.
Industry sponsors were Ray Allen Manufacturing, Leatherman Tool Company; Eagle Industries, Police K-9 Magazine and Woolrich. For more information about the seminar or photos of the teams see the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Web site at www.wetzelsheriff.org.