News

August 26, 2008

Canine cop on the beat

Officer Gas ready to aid police in dealing with Swoyersville’s increasing drug activity.

By Ed Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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SWOYERSVILLE – Patrolman Ethan Wenzel has a partner who is only 17-months-old.

Officer Gas is a Belgium Malinois-German shepherd mix imported from the Republic of Slovakia. He began his duties with the police force on Monday after completing 250 hours of training with Wenzel at the nationally recognized Castle’s K9 in Mechanicsburg.

Police Chief Thomas DiMaria said Gas is trained in patrol, tracking and narcotics detection.

“We’re looking forward to having him being a vital part of our department,” DiMaria said.

DiMaria said it cost more than $14,000 to purchase Gas and for the training that ended on Friday.

Money came from asset forfeiture funds, private donations and businesses in Swoyersville and Luzerne, DiMaria said. Asset forfeiture funds come from the sale of property and items seized in drug busts.

“We actually started looking into a canine in May when we had asset forfeiture funds,” DiMaria said. “I approached council to reinvest the funds in a canine because we’re seeing more and more drug activity.

“Council was receptive to the idea,” DiMaria added. “A canine fund was set up; and, through several very generous donations from members of the community and businesses, we had our funding in place by the beginning of June.”

Wenzel, a three-year patrolman for Swoyersville, selected Gas and bonded with the dog before training began in July.

Pittston Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr. Inayat Kathio medically cleared the canine for service, DiMaria said.

DiMaria said council will officially appoint Gas to the force during a meeting on Sept. 2.

“We’re thinking about doing an oath of office, but we’re not sure if it’s a requirement. If it is, then Gas will be read the oath,” DiMaria said.

Swoyersville won’t be the only municipality to reap the benefits of a canine.

Under a contractual agreement, the department provides police services to Luzerne Borough.

DiMaria said Gas is the borough’s first police canine.

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