OCTOBER 24, 2024 |
Photo – Deputy Zach Fall with K-9 Officer Thresher – Courtesy CCSO
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has added a second K9 officer to the roster.
In March, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced that K9 Handler, Deputy David Greninger, and his partner Mako received their International Police Canine Association Certification. Mako is duel certified in narcotics detection and bite apprehension.
On September 16th, Deputy Greninger and Mako discovered half a pound of methamphetamine and a stolen AR15 during a traffic stop in Rawlins.
On Wednesday morning, Sheriff Bakken announced that another K9 officer has joined the sheriff’s department. Deputy Zach Fall and K9 Thresher recently completed the International Police Canine Association, or IPCA, narcotics detection course. Sheriff Bakken said he believes that fielding two K9 officers is a first for his department.
Thresher continues the shark-based naming scheme being used by the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.
Being a K9 officer requires a lot of specialized training. Sheriff Bakken said both human and dog go through strict training before being unleashed on the streets.
Mako and Thresher, in addition to their human handers were certified by Level Up K9 Training and Consulting in Rawlins. Level Up K9 Training uses the International Police Canine Association curriculum. Sheriff Bakken said the IPCA’s rigorous standards ensure that both dog and officer are ready for duty.
Sheriff Bakken thanked Deputies Greninger and Fall for volunteering to become K9 officers. The position comes with added responsibilities that most people may not be aware of. The sheriff also expressed his appreciation for Level Up K9 Training and Consulting and the citizens of Carbon County.
K9 Mako will continue to cover Rawlins and the surrounding area while Thresher will patrol the Platte Valley.
Sheriff Bakken said the size of Carbon County and the presence of Interstate 80 means that narcotics are often transported through the area. Having two drug sniffing dogs makes it easier to keep those narcotics out of our communities.
Sheriff Bakken said drug use is not a victimless crime, as it often affects family members. By adding another narcotics detecting K9 Officer, the sheriff aims to reduce the impact of drug abuse in Carbon County.
