SHERIFF - CANINE DRUG UNIT INTEGRAL

BREVARD -- Transylvania County Sheriff David Mahoney wants to put a
stop to the drugs coming into his county and prevent local youth from
bringing drugs to schools.

How will he accomplish this?

He said one way is to bring back a canine unit to the Sheriff's
Office, something it has not had since 1999.

"Quite honestly, the last canine the Sheriff's Office had was retired
early due to some medical issues," Mahoney said. "There have been a
variety of issues why the program was never pursued."

Mahoney said he wants to make good on his promise to bring canines
back into the office.

"Canines are important on many levels," he said. "They work as drug
interdiction devises and the dogs' value in that aspect is
tremendous."

In addition to stopping drugs being brought into the county, Mahoney
said canines are an integral part of patrol, investigations and in the
schools.

"In schools, the canines can act as a deterrent to our young people
and create a safer environment to learn," he said.

Mahoney is not alone in his quest to bring back canine
crimefighters.

Carole Fossen, director of the nonprofit organization Animal
Lighthouse, has partnered with the Sheriff's Office to raise the money
needed.

"I am angry about the drugs in this county, and it is only getting
worse," Fossen said. "One of Sheriff Mahoney's deputies actually
approached me and asked what I could do to help with the funding."

Fossen responded by opening a special account to raise money for
four-legged support.

"So far, our fund only has $500," she said. "I thought the people of
this county would have reacted better."

Mahoney said the animal itself will cost about $5,500.

"Then, in addition to the cost of the canine, the six-week handler
class costs $2,350," Mahoney said.

Mahoney said he hopes to have four canines on the force to provide
around-the-clock coverage.

"So far, we have been receiving contributions steadily," he said. "I
would love to have the canine unit in place with two dogs by May or
June."

Mahoney said forming the canine unit is an important step in
counteracting the devastating effects of drugs in his county.

"It's just simply that I hate drug dealers and I hate how they ruin
our families," Mahoney said. "It's all about detection and if you
can't detect the drugs you can't be effective."