A new individual is taking over the K-9 unit for the Greene County Sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Jack Williams has been the K-9 handler ever since he started with the sheriff’s office. But now being sheriff as well as fire chief for the City of Jefferson, Williams says it got tough to continue to be the K-9 handler.

“I just didn’t have time to dedicate the hours to the K-9 program. And so it was a tough decision for me, but I made the decision to hopefully to try and find somebody else, in which I did.”

That somebody else is one of the newest deputies, Christopher Freshe, who was hired this past April. Williams points out that

has been going through the required training of narcotics, tracking, apprehension and protection with K-9 Officer Leo. Williams adds that even though he is required to pay for some of the hours for the program, it’s basically a volunteer position for the sheriff’s office.

Donations for the program can be accepted to help pay for veterinarian bills and food. Checks can be made payable to the Greene County Canine Program and can be dropped off at the law enforcement center in Jefferson.