By CALEB H.
SWALLOWS
Puxico Press
The Puxico Police Department officially has started the process of training a K9 unit dog to bring to the department's task force. This advancement for the police department would not have been possible without the desire and dedication of the Puxico officer Michelle Priest.
Officer Priest sat the operation in movement this year by purchasing the fostered dog, Hulkeye, in hopes to use him as a trained police dog. Her aspirations lead her in the right direction and Hulkeye is now in Springfield, Mo., going through the K9 Unit training program.
Priest felt the community was in need of a police dog on the department's task force but given the department's lower funding, she decided to take responsibility of the financial undertaking and care of the dog.
"Given that we have a small department with limited funds, if I took on the responsibility, with help from others, we will be able to make this possible." Priest explained. "We have a drug problem not just here but all over Stoddard County and this would help to minimize the problem."
Hulkeye will not just be used to minimize the drug problem in the Stoddard County area though. The applications that he can and will be used in varies.
"Hulkeye will be used in many capacities." Priest acknowledged. "He will be used in drug detection, traffic stops, house searches, PR events, and help teach students at the school in visual presentations. Also, if any other officers in the Stoddard County area need help or K9 assistance, we will do anything in our power to help them."
The work isn't finished yet. Hulkeye has just started his 8-10 week training and Priest must attend training in Springfield for a week to co-train with Hulkeye. This is were the expense comes into play.
"The biggest financial burden is the training," Priest explained. "With the help of some others in the community, I have been able to get Hulkeye into training but all donations will help."
The police department and Priest can use all donations given - dog food, dog-health appliances, and/or monetary donation. If interested in helping the Puxico Police Department in training and taking care of Huckeye, please contact the police department or send your donation through to any of the officers on duty.
"I want to thank everyone who has helped already," said Priest. "The amount of help already is so overwhelming and any future help will be appreciated."