Conneaut K-9 unit growing

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

March 16, 2008 07:39 am

— CONNEAUT — A new canine officer will join the Conneaut Police Department in May, but private contributions, not the general fund, will foot the bill.
The department is poised to purchase its third dog next month, said Police Chief Jon Arcaro. Cost of the dog and its training will approach $7,500, but other related expenses — including modifications to a police cruiser — will bring the total cost to around $10,000, he said.
That’s a lot of dog biscuits, but taxpayers can breathe easy. The cost of the police pooch, as well as the entire canine program, is financed solely through donations received from the public, Arcaro said. Individuals, businesses and civic organizations — especially the local Eagles Club — have a long history of backing the department’s dog program, he said.
“We appreciate their support,” Arcaro said.
Through the end of the month, every dollar donated to the program will be matched by a national police chief’s organization. Information on the program is available at the police station, located inside Conneaut City Hall.
Last week, City Council authorized a contract with Lynnwoods Kennels, Inc., for the purchase and training on Conneaut’s newest K-9 cop. The Cleveland-area kennel offered the best price, Arcaro said.
The dog will work with Patrolman Tim Rose, who was one of three officers who expressed interested in a canine teammate. Applicants were interviewed and analyzed to find the officer best suited to team with a dog, officials have said.
Next month, Rose will go to the kennel to help find the best dog, Arcaro said. “(Rose) will have a hand in selecting a dog that bonds best with him,” he said.
Training will begin in April, and the team could see action in May, Arcaro said. That will also give the city time to retrofit a cruiser to accommodate a canine officer, such as a device that opens a vehicle door by remote control if Rose needs assistance.
The dog will be trained to handle a variety of tasks — including drug detection, tracking and search-and-rescue — which accounts for the cost, Arcaro has said. To protect the city’s investment, it’s expected the officer will sign a contract obliging him to pay a pro-rated portion of the dog-related expense should he choose to leave the department, officials have said.
The department’s other canine officers are patrolmen Curt Distel and Michael Colby.