Walton Co Deputy Named Florida Officer of the Year
Attorney General Bill McCollum today named Lieutenant Michael Howell, formerly of the Department of Transportation (DOT), as the recipient of the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award for 2008. Lieutenant Howell, now serving with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, was joined by 12 fellow officers from around the state at a ceremony recognizing them for their dedication to law enforcement and their protection of the public.
“I am honored to be among the very best of Florida’s law enforcement community today,” Attorney General McCollum said at the ceremony honoring the nominees. “These men and women have made the safety and security of our state and our families their top priority, and for that they deserve our heartfelt honor and respect.”
Lieutenant Howell served as a member of the DOT Motor Carrier Compliance Office’s Contraband Interdiction Program for eight years and was the program’s lead K-9 instructor. In 2008, Lieutenant Howell – then Officer Howell – performed 604 safety inspections, issued 93 safety reports, removed 71 unfit commercial drivers and 80 unsafe vehicles from Florida’s roadways, and made 48 criminal arrests. According to the Department of Transportation, these actions directly reduced the number of commercial vehicle crashes and related fatalities in Florida.
On October 12, 2008, Officer Howell stopped a commercial motor vehicle to conduct a vehicle inspection. Suspecting criminal activity, he deployed a K-9 Unit to sniff the vehicle, and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed 150 kilos of cocaine with a street value of approximately $3 million, as well as $3,000 in cash. Two suspects were arrested on trafficking charges and the truck and trailer were seized.
he Department of Transportation noted that as a result of his dedication, resourcefulness and initiative, Lieutenant Howell is responsible for the largest seizure of marijuana and one of the largest seizures of cocaine in the history of the Motor Carrier Compliance Office.
Each nominee for the Attorney General’s award had previously been recognized as an “Officer of the Year” by a Florida law enforcement agency or organization that sponsors such a statewide award. Deputy Howell was nominated by virtue of his selection by the Department of Transportation.
A selection committee appointed by the Attorney General considered the distinguished group of nominees from state agencies and organizations including the Florida Sheriff’s Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, the Florida Gang Investigators Association and the Florida Wildlife Federation.
Howell is the fifth recipient of the Attorney General’s annual award. Last year’s recipient was Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Tammy Roane. The 2006 recipient was Detective Sergeant Contento of the Tampa Police Department and the 2005 recipient was Detective Kevin Kuschel of the Palm Beach County School District Police Department. The recipient in 2004 was Tallahassee Police Officer Chuck Perry, and Marion County Deputy Sheriff Mike Rolls was honored as the first recipient of the award in 2003.
A list of the other nominees and their accomplishments is as follows:
Nominated by the Florida Police Chiefs Association – Detective Nelson Camacho
Detective Camacho has consistently been recognized by the North Miami Beach Police Department as an outstanding officer, having received three Officer of the Month awards as well as being named 2006 Officer of the Year. During his 12-year career, his keen sense of observation and uncanny ability of locating criminals in the act of committing crimes have resulted in numerous arrests. In several instances during the past year, he was instrumental in apprehending individuals responsible for large numbers of armed robberies in the North Miami Beach area.
Nominated by the Fraternal Order of Police, Florida Lodge – Hialeah Police Officer Gabriel Casco
Police Officer Gabriel Casco is an eight-year veteran of the Hialeah Police Department. On October 26, 2007, in a selfless act of courage, Officer Casco saved the life of a child trapped in a burning apartment. Though he was off duty at the time, he responded to a call and found the apartment fully engulfed in flames. Climbing onto a second story balcony, he managed to gain entry to the apartment, located the child in a bedroom and brought the child to safety. Officer Casco’s actions represent the highest degree of dedication and service to his community.
Nominated by the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Law Enforcement – Corporal Daniel Dickson
During his eight-year career, Corporal Dickson has proven to be an exceptional asset to his department. His emphasis on suppressing property crimes created a more secure park environment, with an 80 percent decrease in burglaries of a conveyance at Wekiwa Springs State Park over the past year. His outstanding interpersonal skills led to the formation of an interagency environmental task force which improved communication and cooperation among several state and federal agencies and local law enforcement offices. Additionally, acting upon information provided by a confidential informant, he worked with the Bureau of Environmental Investigations to locate and eradicate a marijuana cultivation plot on DEP state lands.
Nominated by the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association – State Trooper Joshua Earrey
Having served almost eight years with the Florida Highway Patrol, Trooper Joshua Earrey is currently assigned to Troop G Contraband Interdiction Team as a K-9 handler. As a member of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, Trooper Earrey has seized 10.5 kilos of powder cocaine, 1.5 pounds of crack cocaine, 83.5 pounds of marijuana, 2.5 ounces of heroin, 250 grams of methamphetamines, over $277,000 and 23 firearms, while making over 1,200 traffic citations and 280 drug-related charges over the past year. Information obtained as a result of Trooper Earrey’s arrests resulted in a search warrant being issued on a target of a Mexican drug cartel, which led in the seizure of
47 pounds of marijuana, a half kilo of cocaine, $18,000, and a handgun.
Nominated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Wildlife Federation – Wildlife Officer Robert Johnston
Though Officer Johnston has been with the Fish and Wildlife Commission fewer than five years, he has quickly risen to the top in terms of his work ethic, knowledge of the natural areas and resources in his jurisdiction and leadership abilities. He patrols vast amounts of land and water in the Levy County area, working in five wildlife management areas and the network of waters surrounding Cedar Key. Last year, he participated in eight search and rescue missions, many under the worst conditions. His enforcement of the laws and education efforts ensure the safety of all outdoor enthusiasts and protection of Florida’s natural resources.
Nominated by the Florida Retail Federation – Detective James Ostojic
During his 13-year career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Ostojic has a proven track record. While investigating approximately $4,500 in retail theft of beauty products from a grocery store chain, he recognized it was not an isolated incident, but part of a multi-million dollar retail theft ring. In cooperation with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, a full-scale investigation revealed teams of thieves stealing thousands of dollars worth of products at each stop, hitting numerous stores several days a week, and selling the items to third parties. Losses to retail outlets over a five-year period were estimated at nearly $100 million. In January 2008, search warrants were served in a three-county area, resulting in 18 arrests and criminal charges of racketeering.
Nominated by the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud – Detective Theodore Padich
With over 10 years of service with the Department of Financial Services, Detective Padich has become an expert in the field of mortgage fraud, a growing criminal trend with severe financial impacts on citizens and communities as well as banking and lending institutions. His initiative and innovation have resulted in the development of a streamlined system of mortgage fraud investigation. During the past fiscal year, Detective Padich’s investigative work resulted in seven convictions on four mortgage fraud cases, which led to a combined $1.75 million in court-ordered restitution. Through his diligence and resourcefulness, Detective Padich identified dozens of additional victims of an organized mortgage fraud scheme involving condominium purchases in the Orlando area valued at over $8 million dollars.
Nominated by the Florida Gang Investigators Association – Detective Garrick Plonczynski
Detective Plonczynski is the senior investigator in the Gang Unit of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Serving five of his 10 years with the department in this capacity, Detective Plonczynski has dedicated his life and career to combating gang crime in his community. He has been recognized for his resourcefulness and ingenuity in utilizing the internet to identify and track gang members and activity. Detective Plonczynski was also vital in identifying a suspect in the murder of an innocent 9-year-old victim of gang-related crime, knowing only the suspected shooter’s first name. Detective Plonczynski is also a member of the Attorney General’s Tampa Bay Gang Reduction Task Force and dedicates much of his personal time to teaching law enforcement and civilians about combating gang violence and crime in their community.
Nominated by the Florida Police Chiefs Association – Corporal Brent Tyler
A member of the Fruitland Park Police Department for over six years, Corporal Tyler serves as a K-9 officer. He has quickly proven to be an asset to his department and the community, often going above and beyond to provide assistance to other local law enforcement agencies during his off duty hours by aiding in drug searches and tracking. Last year, when a large tornado struck the area, Officer Tyler came to the scene and, with another officer, saved the life of a paralyzed man who was buried in the rubble. He also recently arrested a drug dealer for trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine, which led to the seizure of over a kilogram of drugs, additional arrests, and an end to the supply of these drugs in a five-county area for a significant amount of time.
Nominated by the Department of Financial Services, State Fire Marshal’s Office – Detective Michael Vitta
Detective Vitta is a member of the Fire Marshal’s Honor Guard and represents the office on many formal occasions. During the past year, Detective Vitta investigated 119 fires, of which 83 were arson. His investigations resulted in 13 arrests in 11 arson cases. In July 2007, Detective Vitta identified a juvenile diagnosed with autism as a fire setter and over the course of several months, determined this individual was responsible for several other small fires started in the area. Detective Vitta took the juvenile into custody, but spoke at the first court appearance on his and indicated the need for placement in a proper medical facility rather than a correctional setting. Due to Detective Vitta’s perseverance, the juvenile was placed in a permanent group home in November 2008.
Nominated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Special Agent Ellen Wilcox
A 29-year FDLE veteran, Special Agent Wilcox has become a nationally-recognized expert in the field of mortgage fraud. A member of the FBI Mortgage Fraud Task Force/Tampa Bay, Special Agent Wilcox works with numerous law enforcement agencies, as well as regulatory and private sector organizations, to combat mortgage fraud and economic crimes. As a certified fraud examiner, she led a joint investigation with the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency, Pinellas County Department of Justice and Consumer Services, and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution into allegations of mortgage fraud which led to the arrests of 10 defendants charged with numerous offenses including racketeering, grand theft, and obtaining mortgages by false representation. Due to her hard work and dedication, an $18 million fraud operation has been dismantled.
Nominated by the Florida Highway Patrol – Trooper Thomas Winders
A member of the force since 2004, Trooper Winders is currently assigned to Troop E Contraband Interdiction Team as a K-9 officer. In June 2007, Trooper Winders and Trooper Christopher Zarazinski arrived on the scene of a vehicle crash in Palm Beach County where a vehicle had become submerged in a deep canal. With no regard for his personal safety, Trooper Winders entered the water to rescue the victims. Neither victim was breathing when brought to shore, but CPR was administered and both were revived and airlifted to an area hospital. Ultimately, only one survived the accident, but without Trooper Winders’ courageous actions, both victims would certainly have been lost.
New boss for Scotland Yard is “hugely proud policeman”
A 55-year-old policeman described as a ‘no-nonsense copper’ by colleagues was Wednesday named the new boss of Scotland Yard, the top job in British policing.
Paul Stephenson, who had been deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in (MET) London since 2005, succeeds Ian Blair, who stepped down after being widely blamed for mistakes in the shooting of an innocent Brazilian man by police that year.
Stephenson, whose chief tasks will be to protect Londoners from the threat of terrorism, and to devise and implement the police strategy for the 2012 London Olympics, will oversee a staff of 50,000 at Scotland Yard.
Colleagues have described him as a ‘no-nonsense-copper’ who loves his job and will stand up for his officers, rather than passing the buck.
‘I am just such a hugely proud policeman today,’ Stephenson said after his appointment by Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary.
However, Stephenson caused some controversy when, last year, he advised Tariq Ghaffur, the former third-in-command at Scotland Yard, to ‘shut up’ after announcing that he was suing the force for racism.
Ghaffur, who was Britain’s most senior Asian policeman, has since resigned.
Manalapan K-9 team comes to a sad end
It is the end of an era for a team of police superheroes in Manalapan.
Since 2001, two K-9 units have been a familiar sight in town as police dogs Rocco and Max and their respective partners, Patrolman Frank Krause and Patrolman William Martin, were often on the scene ready to keep residents safe.
When Max retired due to medical issues in December 2007, the Manalapan police force felt the loss, but it still had Rocco. That changed on Dec. 17 when Rocco had to be put to sleep.
Police Chief Stuart Brown explained that Rocco was diagnosed with the beginning stages of degenerative myelopathy (DM) in October 2008.
According to an article posted on the Internet by veterinarian Dr. Nancy Scanlan, DM is a debilitating autoimmune disease commonly seen in the German shepherd breed of dogs, which is what Rocco was. It is compared to multiple sclerosis in humans. In autoimmune diseases the patient’s autoimmune system attacks some parts of its own body. In DM the nerves that lead to the muscles are the target, causing muscle weakness and lack of sensation in the dog’s hindquarters.
Krause remembered his last day on the job with Rocco.
“We were getting ready to leave to go to the Union City Sheriff’s Office for Rocco’s semi-annual recertification, Dec. 12, which was also Rocco’s 10th birthday, and I noticed that he was walking funny. He stumbled with his back legs and I took him to Dr. Farber’s office,” Krause said.
Dr. Alan M. Farber, a veterinarian in Manalapan, donated his services to take care of K-9 officers Rocco and Max.
After being seen by Farber, Rocco attended his recertification event later that same day and was able to participate in all the activities scheduled, including criminal apprehension, building searches and evidence tracking.
Unfortunately, the dog’s condition deteriorated considerably over the next five days and it was decided that Rocco would be euthanized.
“It was a shock, a big loss,” Krause said about losing Rocco. “I was with him more than my family. He was part of my family and he came to work with me, too. We were together 24 hours a day, seven days a week for nine years.”
Had the disease not progressed so quickly, Rocco’s career on the Manalapan police force would have come to a close at the end of January because that is when Krause is scheduled to retire. Rocco would have retired with his partner.
Krause, 47, grew up in Freehold and has been a police officer since the age of 18 when he began working with the Manasquan Police Department. He was a police officer in Freehold Borough for more than 10 years before joining the Manalapan police force, of which he was a part for 15 years. In addition, Krause is a volunteer firefighter for Manalapan Fire Company No. 1, Millhurst.
Krause believes that Rocco would not have enjoyed retirement because he enjoyed working so much.
“On vacation he was fine,” Krause explained, “but as soon as I got my uniform on, he jumped up. He loved to work; he lived for that. He knew when the police department phone rang and he’d run around. He couldn’t wait to get out. If it rang at night, he’d wake up everyone.”
Rocco was donated to the Manalapan Police Department in 2000 when he was 13 months old.
“He was someone’s pet, but he was very aggressive and they donated him to be a police dog,” Krause said. “It was either they donate him or put him down.”
In January 2000 Krause was assigned to Rocco and in February they began a 16- week course at a K-9 patrol school at the Union County Sheriff’s Office K-9 facility. They graduated on June 16, 2000.
Krause took Rocco to his home.
“We kept him crated for the first few months,” he said. “We had young kids. They bonded eventually. We took him around when the kids were sleeping and let him sniff them. Eventually the little ones could take food from the bowl and do anything and Rocco didn’t mind.
“When Rocco got out of school he was not the same dog,” Krause said. “He knew it was OK to bite, but only when I told him to, or if someone was hurting me or another officer.”
In May 2001 Krause and Rocco graduated from a narcotics detection school at the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Krause explained that Rocco was crosstrained and certified in patrol and narcotics detection. He could not be a bomb-sniffing dog because the reaction to finding narcotics is aggressive and involves biting and scratching, which could be dangerous when searching for bombs. Bomb dogs are trained to sit when they find explosives. Police dogs can either be one or the other.
Rocco and Krause answered 809 calls for service in Manalapan and surrounding towns and counties during their time together.
“I spent the last third of my career doing K-9,” Krause said. “K-9 was the best. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. It was fun and different every day. We were always involved in doing some serious stuff.”
During their career together, Krause and Rocco were assigned to a presidential security detail when President George W. Bush visited Plainfield in April 2001.
Rocco and Krause performed numerous K-9 demonstrations at Manalapan Day every June as well as at the Manalapan Fire Company No. 1 open house and blood drive every October. They also gave demonstrations for other groups such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Rocco’s work led to numerous criminal arrests. He also located missing persons including children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
A number of the suspects Rocco and Krause apprehended were found guilty of the crimes with which they were charged and were sentenced to state prison.
One of the team’s most memorable calls was on March 13, 2007 when Krause and Rocco were summoned to a burglary in progress at a hardware store in Jamesburg, Middlesex County. The suspect was still inside the store. Officers surrounded the building and ordered the suspect to come out. When the suspect did not comply with that order, Krause gave the standard police warning as required by the Attorney General’s office, indicating that a police K-9 was going to be released if he did not surrender and warning the suspect that the dog would find him and bite him if he did not surrender.
When the suspect did not come out, Rocco was unleashed and went in to apprehend him. Rocco located the suspect hiding behind some boxes in the store. Krause gave verbal commands ordering the suspect to come out of hiding. The suspect then assaulted Krause and kicked Rocco. Rocco got a small cut over his eye; the only time in his career that he was ever injured. Rocco engaged the suspect and because of his handler protection skills Krause and the other officers involved were not injured.
Another memorable incident that Krause relayed was when he and Rocco were riding through Freehold Borough while off duty on Oct. 24, 2005 and came upon a large disturbance at a social club. Krause observed police officers being attacked in a violent manner by partygoers outside the club. Some of the police officers were on the ground. Krause and Rocco saved their fellow police officers from inherent danger.
The Freehold Borough Police Department issued a commendation and a letter of thanks to Krause and Rocco for taking action that “may have prevented other officers from being injured or worse.”
A letter addressed to Brown from Freehold Borough Police Chief Michael Beierschmitt said Krause and Rocco’s “presence and actions were paramount in bringing the incident under control.”
In speaking about the effort put forth by Krause and Rocco, Brown said, “During their almost nine years of tandem service to our community, Patrolman Frank Krause and K-9 Rocco exemplified the tenets of canine duty to law enforcement through their many lifesaving and criminal apprehension successes. As our last remaining K-9 unit, their loss represents a significant void that will take a considerable time to fill. They will be tremendously missed.”
Brown said he would like to replace the Manalapan K-9 unit sometime in 2009 and said he has a considerable portion of the funding put aside for those purposes, but he does not currently have the manpower resources to send an officer for training.
Martin is still working for the police department without his former partner Max, but is not interested in acquiring another dog.
“The main issue is having enough personnel available to cover the lengthy vacancy created when the officer and his dog leave for training,” Brown explained. “With the recent hiring of two replacement officers earlier this month, I’m cautiously anticipating this could actually be possible as early as the second quarter of this year.”
North Dakota K9 Handlers speak out at the Capitol
K-9′s are able to do jobs officers can’t… They sniff out suspects, drugs, and explosives…
And today their handlers came to the capitol to testify for them…
The bill these officers are here for makes it a crime to harrass, taunt or interfer with a law enforcement dog.
They also support making the crim of killing a K-9 to a Felony.
(Sgt. Derik Zimmel / Grand Forks PD) “help us protect public… currently only misdemeanor offense it’s a disservice to the animals.”
Zimmel says 40 states make killing a law enforcement support animal a felony.
Legislators also heard similar testimony on a bill that makes it a crime to kill or harass blind dogs or other service animals.
School district gets donated K9
Scoob, a Labrador mix with a golden fur coat, has become the newest addition to the Pearl River County School District law enforcement division as a donation from the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department. He will work in conjunction with the other school resource officers to find and eliminate the presence of illegal drugs on campus.
With the sheriff’s department moving to more aggressive K-9 units, Scoob’s passive personality seemed to better suit a school atmosphere, where the presence of children calls for more laid back personalities, said Sheriff David Allison. School district superintendent Dennis Penton said the district has been considering adding a K-9 to their law enforcement resources, but the expense of purchasing and training a dog held them back. This donation made their plans a reality.
Scoob is trained to find many kinds of illegal substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, acid and ecstasy, Sheriff’s Department K9 supervisor Lt. George Dominguez said.
Not only will Scoob’s addition help to keep the presence of drugs at a minimal in the school district, he may help bring about the arrests of adults. Penton said the Sheriff’s Department and the school district’s resource officers have already worked drug cases that have led to adult drug charges.
The donation seemed to fit well since the Sheriff’s Department is moving to all multi-purpose drug dogs, who can not only sniff out the presence of drugs, but also help with apprehension, Allison said. Scoob, while an excellent drug dog, does not have the apprehension training or the personality necessary, Dominguez said.
Allison said that Scoob’s’ docile demeanor and his great drug sniffing skills would be better suited for the school district, where children are present and where drugs are a possibility.
The donation was in part due to the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors approval of budget funds that allow Allison’s department to do K-9 training and equip the patrol cars with cages.
School resource commanding officer Brandon Herrin will attend the same K9 training that Sheriff’s Department officers went through at Legends K-9, Penton said.
“It’s important enough for us to put the resources forward to keep drugs out of the schools,” Penton said.
Trooper called a hero after plunge into icy creek
One man was killed in a fatal accident in Wayne County on Sunday night, and a state trooper was injured after he tried to assist in what State Police have called a heroic effort.
Trooper Wayne A.M. Whittington of the Wayne State Police Detachment was the first to respond to the single vehicle crash on Big Lynn Creek Road. Whittington found the vehicle had left the road and gone over a bridge, landing upside down in Big Lynn Creek.
Whittington helped paramedics from East Lynn EMS to rescue the two people in the vehicle, and stood in the thigh-deep icy water for about 15 minutes. The driver, Roy Marvin Flemmings, 51, of Ethel, was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The passenger, Leonard Bartram, age unavailable, was also taken to the same hospital. He was treated and released.
The trooper was treated for hypothermia and was also released.
An investigation into the accident is continuing, according to Sgt. A.L. Cummings of State Police district headquarters in Huntington.
Good for them!
Five North Carolina sheriff’s deputies who work together at the jail are sharing $1 million in Powerball lottery winnings.
The Gaston Gazette reported that the Gaston County officers all showed up for work Monday after the Saturday drawing gave them each $136,000 after taxes.
Deputy Fay Costner says she and her colleagues came to work after their big win because they are professionals and are dedicated to their community.
Costner says the deputies have to work Tuesday but plan to go to Raleigh on Wednesday to get their winnings.
The five deputies contribute $20 every five weeks to buy tickets.
It was the second $1 million win in Gaston County in less than a month. A ticket sold Dec. 31 also won $1 million.
Police academy opens to city residents
Weatherford Police officers have an interesting job ranging in duties from traffic control and crime scenes to arrests and public relations.
For years, many residents have volunteered to make their jobs a bit easier while lending support on various scenes and cooking holiday meals for those on patrol.
The department in partnership with the Weatherford Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (WCPAAA) will host the 2009 Weatherford Citizen Police Academy beginning March 3, for those interested in volunteering and catching a glimpse of what it’s like on the streets and saving taxpayer’s money.
Classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the department at 801 Santa Fe Drive.
“This is a great opportunity to learn more about your local law enforcement agency as well as your community,” said Alecia Durham, Weatherford Police Special Services planner. “You will learn about patrol procedures, traffic stops, DWI, K-9, crime scene, Texas Penal Code, gang culture, criminal investigations, communications, special operations, crime prevention, vice and narcotics, and medical examiner information.”
Upon graduation, citizens will have an opportunity to join the association.
Members of the alumni assist officers with community activities such as parades, the Peach Festival, Christmas on the Square, the Fall Festival, city clean up days, searching for missing persons, fingerprinting children at local schools, patrolling and McGruff the Crime Dog appearances.
The group also has a patrol vehicle, donated by the department, which allows members to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears as they assist officers in patrolling the city.
Weatherford Police Sgt. Dennis Whitford serves as the department’s liaison with the association and said the group has been more than helpful to the department on numerous occasions.
“As an officer, it is good to know that the Alumni Association is available to help us out with just about anything we need, from providing assistance to us at parades and festivals to bringing us food when we are tied up on a crime scene,” Whitford said. “They are always there for us and we appreciate all that they do. I am excited about the upcoming Citizen Police Academy. It gives us the opportunity to teach our citizens a little bit about what we do at the police department.”
The WCPAAA will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Weatherford Police Department. During the event, potential candidates can learn more about the academy and ask questions about volunteering.
Weatherford Police Deputy Chief Wayne Slimp said the volunteers play a vital role at the department.
“We greatly appreciate the countless hours that they spend in training, attending monthly meetings and assisting us on a regular basis,” Slimp said. “They allow us to continue to provide a high level of service to our community at no additional costs to the department or the citizens. We look forward to hosting the 2009 academy and invite everyone to join us at the upcoming open house on Feb. 17.”
WCPAAA President Chris Hummel has served in the association for 12 years and said he believes in supporting the department so much, he accepted the position as president just a year after signing up to volunteer. He added members of the academy alleviate some of the duties of the officers which allows them to focus on more serious duties.
“The academy provides a background on the police department and what our officers do in the city,” Hummel said. “They get to see what officers do in administration and what some of the officers do while working behind the scenes. They normally wouldn’t get to see that on the streets. I enjoy being a part of the WCPAAA. It gives me an avenue in which to give back to the community and help our local police department.”
Hummel said a casino night fundraiser will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Weatherford Senior Center. The event is hosted by members of the association and directly benefits the department.
“It’s out largest fundraiser,” Hummel said. “We have so much fun and proceeds go toward officers and the department.”
For more information regarding the WCPAAA, contact Hummel at (817) 594-3713 or (817) 594-2320. You may also contact Whitford or Durham at the department at (817) 598-4310. For an academy application, visit the WCPAAA Web site at www.weatherfordcitizenpolice.org.
Village seeks funds for K-9 officer
The village’s police chief is making a case in hopes of taking a bite out of crime.
Chief Dwynn Isringhausen of the East Alton Police Department said he recently expressed a desire to village officials about wanting to implement a K-9 officer program.
“The village has never had a canine officer before, and I believe this would benefit the community greatly,” Isringhausen said.
He said that the Village Board seemed OK with the idea of being able to acquire a German shepherd as a partner for one of the department’s officers.
“There are a variety of different methodologies used to train police dogs,” he said.
Isringhausen said although K-9 officers are most associated with drug interdictions, police dogs also provide additional safety for officers to search buildings, track missing persons or those on the lam. He said the East Alton canine would be used mostly to track drugs; however, the animal would be used in other areas, as well.
“Whenever we want to bring in a canine to the grade school, we have to call an outside agency,” he said.
He said that because the village must rely on another agency, the animal sometimes is not available because it or its handler already has worked a long assignment.
“We are looking for the public’s support to help get the program started,” Isringhausen said.
The start-up costs to acquire the dog and associated equipment would be about $10,000. Isringhausen said money to defray some of those costs already has been received through commitments and donations from East Alton businesses and residents.
Isringhausen said that the dog’s handler – Officer Erik Baileygaines – would be required to take a training course, with the department paying for those expenses.
“The department is very proactive in trying to get drugs off the streets, and we believe a canine officer would be another tool in helping police do that,” he said.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the program should contact the department at (618) 259-6212.
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