NEW OFFICER IS TOP DOG IN DRUG FIGHT

MILLBROOK -- Millbrook's new drug dog is hard at working hounding criminals.

Gage, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever, took over as top dog recently, after
the retirement of Cruise.

Cruise, a Belgian Malinois, served 10 years as the department's drug dog.
During Gage's first week on the job, he discovered about $29,000 in a drug
raid.

"The lady that trained him said she knew he was going to be a good one the
first time she threw him a lure," said Officer Ben Guy, who is Gage's partner.

Guy was given the dog about three years ago. Guy paid for Gage's
certification and donated the dog to the department, saving the outfit
about $6,000 to $8,000.

Lt. Don Strickland, Cruise's partner, said he knew Guy had the drive to
become a K-9 officer.

"Training a dog requires a lot of work, a lot of extra work. You just don't
work them while you are on shift. I noticed Ben had the personality to
handle a dog, and everywhere he went he took Gage with him."

Gage will make the rounds of local schools.

"There's been a generation of kids who have met Cruise through our school
relations program," said Mayor Al Kelley.