POLICE OFFICER SEEKS NEW K-9

BELPRE -- A Belpre police officer wants to raise money to purchase a
new K-9 to help weed drugs out of the city.

"We have a bad drug problem and it is getting worse now that our K-9
unit has left," said Officer Terry Williams.

The Belpre Police Department's K-9 Officer Scott Smeeks and dog
Dutch left the city department in September to work for the
Washington County Sheriff's Department, said Mayor Bill McAfee.

"Now, if we have a problem we have to call the sheriff's department
for a K-9 unit, and it would be easier if we had our own," McAfee said.

In an effort to raise the $10,100 needed to purchase a new K-9,
Williams has organized two fund-raisers next month.

"The city said that if I raise the money, then I will be the K-9
officer," Williams said.

McAfee said the city cannot afford to purchase a new K-9, and
fund-raising is the only way for the police department to get a new dog.

"This is the only way we can get a new dog and the city will still
have to fork over some money to pay for (Terry) Williams' training
and other expenses," McAfee said. "Whatever we have to pay will be
well worth it."

The first fund-raiser will be an auction on Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at
Scott Auction Service at 214 Stone Road.

"I am currently taking donations of items to auction," Williams said.

So far, rafting trips, hotel visits and other items are on the block
for the event.

"I will take donations until the day of the auction," Williams said.

The other fund-raiser will be an all-you-can-eat biscuits and gravy
breakfast at Hardee's in Belpre, at 1801 Washington Boulevard on
Dec. 16. Tickets for the breakfast are $5 and can be purchased at
Hardee's, the city building, Belpre Kroger and the Belpre Fire
Department Bingo.

McAfee said he has confidence in Williams' abilities to raise the
money and to be a good K-9 officer.

"Terry (Williams) is a very capable young man and good officer, and
he has the dedication to raise the money and work with the dog," McAfee said.

For more information or to donate items for the auction, contact
Williams at the Belpre Police Department at (740) 423-7631.