Dana Davis
Orbit Media Reporter
A unanimous resolution was passed during the Aug. 12 New Concord Village Council Meeting to officially move forward with the New Concord Police K-9 officer project. The training will begin the first week in October.
Erin Stevic of the Financial Committee said although start up funds have been generated, more money will be needed for the project.
“Even though this project has its startup costs raised doesn’t mean it has funds for the future. So, we are encouraging more donations,” said Stevic.
The K-9 officer will come from Merry K-9 Services, a local business that specializes in providing K9 officers and training.
Residents attended the K-9 Town Hall forum on Feb. 19. The New Concord Police Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol presented information and answered questions.
The K-9 will be expected to complete 300 hours of training. The handler will be required to do three weeks of training after the K-9 finishes its hours. This is scheduled to be finished at the end of October or early November.
The K-9 will be a single-purpose officer, specializing in narcotics detection, excluding marijuana. The police dog will be utilized as a through traffic narcotics concerns in addition to other drug issues within the village.
New Concord Police Chief Mindy Peck said there will be public education about the new K-9 officer.
“There will be events, most likely at the [Village] Park, where the community can come and see the K-9 and see a demonstration and learn more,” said Peck.
Questions or donation inquiries can be directed to Village Hall at (740) 826-7671. Learn more about the K-9 officer program from the February 2019 Town Hall meeting.
The next New Concord Village Council meeting will be Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall. Listen to monthly council meetings on WMCO 90.7 Wednesday and Sundays at noon. Watch on Orbit TV 1020 daily at 7 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m.
