KENNEWICK -- Inu, the Kennewick Police Department's new K-9, didn't wait to be introduced Tuesday as he walked into the station's training room.
With one commanding bark, the 21-month-old German shepherd told the crowd gathered to welcome him that he was there. His handler, Officer Kenny Melone, followed behind him.
Inu was added to the department's K-9 unit -- bringing it up to two -- thanks to donations from the community, Chief Ken Hohenberg said.
"This really makes for a safer Tri-Cities," Hohenberg said.
The community contributed $11,250, with the Rotary Club of Columbia Center contributing $5,000 and a Finley couple, Kenneth and Opal Kuh, another $5,000, he said.
The donations paid the cost of buying Inu and for his initial training, veterinarian visit and basic equipment.
All of the city's police dogs have been purchased with community donations since the program started in 1987, he said.
Inu is the department's 10th police dog.
Melone and Inu have completed a 10-week, 400-hour training course, said Officer Brad Kohn, the department's other K-9 handler and a master trainer for the state.
Inu and Vigo, Kohn's K-9, are tracking dogs, which means they're trained to search buildings, neighborhoods and other areas to find suspects.
"They're locator tools, and they're doing the job using their greater scenting ability than we have as humans," Kohn said.
"It saves a lot of man-hours. It keeps people safe and it keeps officers safe."
Melone said he started training to be a K-9 handler about three years ago and has devoted a lot of his free time "and a lot of my life."
Inu will go to work with Melone every day and live with Melone and his family.
-- Paula Horton: 509-582-1556; phorton@tricityherald.com
Similar stories:
Dog show planned in Kennewick
Dog show planned in Kennewick
The Columbia Basin Dog Training Club and the Richland Kennel Club will have an all-breed Dog Show, Obedience Trial and Rally Trial on Saturday and Sunday at Columbia Park in Kennewick.
More than 1,000 canine competitors from across the Northwest are expected at the event, which includes the Columbia Basin Dog Training Club's Obedience and Rally trials and the Richland Kennel Club's All-Breed Dog Show.
In Rally-O, which is a relatively new sport, the dog and handler compete over a course completing obedience tasks at designated stations along the course. Unlike traditional obedience classes, communication from the handler to the dog is encouraged and not penalized.
Law enforcers to play hoops for charity
Law enforcers to play hoops for charity
Law enforcers in the Tri-Cities will be hitting the hardwood and showing off their ball-handling skills in a charity basketball game.
The Camp SARC Crusaders, a team of 20 police, deputies, prosecutors and probation officers, will take on the Harlem Ambassadors at 7 p.m. Friday at Southridge High School in Kennewick.
"A lot of players stepped up knowing these guys are going to run circles around us," said Kennewick police Capt. Trevor White, the team's captain. "We're going to play around and have a lot of fun."
Sunnyside police ask for food bank items
Sunnyside police ask for food bank items
SUNNYSIDE -- The Sunnyside Police Department is collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the community food bank.
Next week, donations can be dropped off at the police department. Those who are interested can schedule a donation pick-up by calling 837-2120.
The office, classroom, family or organization with the most items donated will have doughnuts delivered to them Dec. 12 by Sunnyside police officers.
4 Pasco officers promoted to sergeants
4 Pasco officers promoted to sergeants
Four Pasco police officers who stepped up to lead patrol shifts without being asked and without asking for more money were recognized Wednesday with promotions.
Cpls. Jamie Raebel, John Probasco, Jason Miller and Jeff Harpster now are sergeants.
"Each one of these officers have proven to be an asset to the department and community and are worthy of promotion in the police department," said Bob Metzger, Pasco police chief.
Kennewick officer stuns violent dog with Taser
Kennewick officer stuns violent dog with Taser
A Kennewick police officer's run-in with a reported dangerous dog ended when he shocked it with a Taser gun and it scampered away.
The officer was called Thursday to the 200 block of East Third Avenue after a woman reported a dangerous dog was preventing her from getting into her car, police said.
A medium-sized brown and white dog charged at the officer, but after a short standoff and stare down the dog retreated to a nearby home, police said.
Print
Email Story
