STADT COMMISSIONED FOR DUTY IN JACKSON

Stadt rides in back of the vehicle in a cage with a fan.

Stadt doesn't like bad guys. So be a good guy, or else.

The strong arm of the law just got stronger as the Jackson Police Department commissioned its first K-9 unit, Stadt, on Monday.

Stadt was imported from Czechoslovakia by Mike Ervin of Cape Girardeau for the Jackson Police.

The reason Stadt was imported from Czechoslovakia is because the characteristics that the Jackson Police wanted to have in their K-9 unit could only be filled by German Sheppards bred in the Eastern European country.

He will work with officer Shawn Davis and will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Stadt has been in training for six months and will help the department with narcotics detection, handler protection, criminal apprehension, tracking and obedience.

Stadt will also go around to schools for programs to inform children on how Stadt detects drugs and he will perform demonstrations.

"He is going to be a vital part of the department. He will help deter drugs in our schools and hopefully deter drug trafficking," Davis said.

Stadt will also help keep officers from getting hurt in a dangerous situation.

"He'll make the city of Jackson happy that they have got him," Davis added.

Marvin Sides, Jackson Police chief, was instrumental in getting Stadt for the police department.

"I'd like to thank the community for helping us get him. And I'm speaking for the whole department when I say that," Davis said.

In the future, the idea has been kicked around about getting another K-9 unit so that there can be a K-9 unit on the street 16 hours a day, according to Davis.

Stadt is two years old and can be expected to work for the Jackson Police Department until he is nine or ten years old. That's usually the age that K-9 units retire, Davis said.

Stadt, who stays with Davis, will also assist other agencies when needed.

"He can help find lost children," Davis said.

When Stadt is not working, Davis said he really likes to play football.

Davis gives Stadt commands in German and Stadt follows the commands very well.

Stadt's training and food will cost approximately $6000 a year, but Davis said he will be well worth the investment.

So far, individuals and service organizations have raised more than $25,000 for the city to buy and train the dog.

State Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, obtained a state surplus vehicle that Stadt and his handler, Davis, are using.

Stadt is a very well trained German Sheppard that should make the community proud to have him.