JACKSON'S DRUG DOG STARTS TRAINING

JACKSON -- There's a new top dog at the Jackson Police Department these days.

Or there will be soon, at any rate.

City administrator Steve Wilson reported the city's new drug-detecting dog -- a German shepherd which is about a 1 1/2 years old -- is in the process of being trained by Mike Ervin, who trains animals for police departments throughout the area.

The dog came from Hungary, Wilson said, and should be on duty with the police department by Sept. 1 at the latest.

"That's a hopeful time," he added. "You never know when you're training a dog."

City officials hope to be able to introduce the dog to the public by the Homecomers celebration in August, he said.

The department's K-9 officer, Sean Davis, will start training with the dog in July, Wilson said.

"We don't have a name for him yet," he said, adding the department's DARE officer is looking through suggestions submitted by students in the drug resistance education program.

"We want to make sure the name we choose doesn't interfere with the working terms the dog will need to learn," Wilson said.

"He's a very nice dog," he added.

He's apparently also a dog who knows which side his dog biscuit's buttered on, Wilson said.

When city officials went to meet the dog recently, he said, "he walked over to the mayor (Paul Sander) and sat down next to him and licked his hand."

The dog will be trained in narcotics work, tracking, officer protection and other techniques, he said.

In addition to helping officers find narcotics, the dog may also be called in to help find people who have wandered away from nursing homes or in other emergencies.

The city has been raising funds from businesses and individuals for several months to help cover the cost of the dog and its training, officer training, kennels and a portion of the cost of a special K-9 unit vehicle.

Det. Richard Rushin said approximately $16,000 has been raised toward the $25,000 goal, and another $3,000 in pledges has been promised.

In addition, Rushin said, a bowling tournament will be held May 11 to raise funds for the dog, and a golf tournament will be held May 17 at Bent Creek Country Club.

For more information, call Rushin at 253-3151.