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Monday, February 09, 2009
The Sheriff's Office Has Gone to the Dogs
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The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office has two new officers as of this date. They have weighed in at 62 pounds and 41 pounds respectively, but the weight of the unit they will head will be a tremendous asset to the entire law enforcement community in Atlantic County.
Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles appeared before The Board of Chosen Freeholders on Tuesday, February 3rd to ask them to pass a resolution accepting the donation of two canines for the purpose of resurrecting the K-9 unit at the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office. As promised during his run for office, Balles was able to get the two dogs donated at no cost to the taxpayers of Atlantic County. “I am very proud to be able to make this a reality within the first thirty days,” Balles said.
Dillinger, a Belgian Malinois Shepherd, was donated by Pleasantville Police K-9 Sgt. Danny Harper. Harper a certified K- 9 Trainer acquired the dog and began training him, immediately thinking of the goals of the new Sheriff. Dillinger and his handler, Sheriff’s Officer Ron Demoulin, will begin the 16 week K-9 training class this March. The new partners will train in the field of patrol tactics and narcotic detection.
Luke, (aka Luke the Lifesaver) a Bloodhound, was donated by Robert Stevens of Douglas, MA. K-9 Luke and his handler, Sheriff’s Officer Eric Milne, will begin training during the last week of February. The 12 week training will take place at the Cape May County K-9 Training Academy. When they have completed their training, they will report to the Community Policing Division of the Sheriff’s Office. This K-9 Team will be a tremendous asset the Project Lifesaver Program with assisting officers in the location of missing Alzheimer’s patients, tracking of criminals, as well as school educational programs.
“I cannot thank the people involved in the success of this program enough”, Balles said. “It has been a team effort from Sheriff’s Officer Milne driving to Massachusetts and picking up the dog, to the Freeholder Board allowing this program to proceed. The world is full of people who want to help when given the opportunity. This will enable the County to better help its residents in their time of need.”
Balles said the next project is securing the appropriate K-9 inserts for safe transport of the dogs in police vehicles. “Atlantic County Corrections Sgt. Greg DePiano has already reached out to me to assist in this effort by utilizing his contacts through Atlantic County Toys for Kids,” Balles said. “It doesn’t have to be new, it just has to fit”. There are people who have heard what we are trying accomplish and want to do anything they can to help. If you would like to help this program, contact the Sheriff at balles_frank@aclink.org or 609-909-7211
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