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Last updated on Sunday, March 17, 2013
(WASHINGTON) - The Washington Police Department’s K-9 Division placed high in a recent state-wide competition.
The competition, sponsored by the American Police K-9 Association, was held at Nashville, in Brown County, and included some of the top K-9 units in Indiana.
All three of Washington's K-9 units placed in the top 15.
Washington Police Sgt. Greg Dietsch explained that the dogs were scored on time and efficiency in detecting contraband in cars, buildings, and a series of canisters in which the contraband scents were disguised with other odors and scents.
Sgt. Derrick Devine and his K-9, Diesel, placed 4th in the competition (just 2 one-hundreths of a second out of 3rd place).
Sgt. Greg Dietsch and his K-9, Drago placed 7th, and Patrolman Craig Cox and his K-9, Kane, placed 15th.
Sgt. Dietsch said the results of the competition goes into the training records of each K-9 unit as a record of their effectiveness.
The local K-9 units are kept sharp by participating in 6 to 8 hours of group training twice a month, plus daily individual training to keep the dogs' skill level up. Despite all the effort and training, Dietsch says doing so well in the competition is a confidence boost to local officers
Not only does Washington's K-9 division serve the citizens of Washington, but they receive frequent calls each week for assistance from other are police departments, sheriff departments, and the Indiana State Police
Dietsch plans to take Drago back to the competition next year, and hopes to finish on top.
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