Greene County Sheriff’s office’s new K-9 officer had a successful 2014.

Chief Deputy Jack Williams says canine Leo’s abilities were used frequently last year such as narcotics, tracking and apprehension.  He points out that Leo has helped to recover 14.27 pounds of marijuana, 5.5 ounces of crystal methamphetamine and 3.3 grams of cocaine in 2014 which is an estimated $16,000 in drugs.

He talks about one drug-related case that Leo was instrumental in.

“We had a case here in Greene County where some people were getting six-pounds of marijuana mailed in.  We were sure that they had the package that was mailed in and we didn’t have enough to search the vehicle until Leo indicated on it and he had actually located the drugs himself which gave us the ability to seize that stuff.”

Williams and his canine are a part of a task force that serves the surrounding counties and each year they have to be certified through the United States Police Canine Association for narcotics and patrol dogs.

He notes that there are two important reasons why they have a K-9 officer.  One benefit is that Leo can search and get into spaces that humans can’t and Williams describes the other reason.

“Canine Leo helps us break barriers with children that are brought up with not so much law enforcement liking people around them and he really helps because everybody wants to pet the canine.  So he’s really helped us break barriers with kids that we have troubles talking to because they don’t want to talk to us because they are afraid of us.”

Williams thanks everyone for their support and donations to help provide for a new K-9 after the retirement of Ranger last year.  He says people can still donate to help them pay for veterinarian bills, food and training for Leo by making checks payable to the Greene County Canine Program.  Donations can be dropped off at the Law Enforcement Center in Jefferson at 204 South Chestnut Street.