JACKSON POLICE DOG NEEDS SURGERY

Department Will Pay for Medical Expenses

Jackson - Falko, the Jackson Police Department's dog, has been limping
since early May because he has a bone chip in his right front leg.

The 5-year-old German shepherd needs surgery and is expected to be
sidelined for six to eight weeks, said his handler, Officer Todd Fristed.

The dog has been an extremely valuable member of the department,
Fristed said.

"He sniffs out narcotics," he said. "He is an aggressive indicating
dog, which means he will bite, scratch or bark when he smells the odor
of narcotics, which includes cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and
marijuana."

The dog has been part of drug searches at high schools and middle
schools.

When it comes to suspects who decide to flee, an officer with four
legs has an advantage over a criminal running away on two. "When
people run from us," Fristed said, "it's easier for him to find them
than it is for us."

Falko also makes officers safer, Fristed said. "If you have a dog out
there that is barking and doing his job, people are less likely to
fight with us."

In the summer of 2004, Falko was employed for crowd control when a
motorcyclist was shot at the 27th annual National Bikers Roundup at
Washington County Fair Park in the Town of Polk.

Falko, though, can be gentle. The 87-pound dog lives with Fristed's
family.

Up until now, Jackson taxpayers have not spent anything for Falko, his
training or his upkeep, Police Chief Jed Dolnick said.

Several years ago, local businesses contributed about $8,000 to buy
and train the dog, and two sisters anonymously donated $1,000 for
Falko's upkeep.

But the Falko fund has about $400 remaining, and a veterinary surgeon
in Eden has estimated that the dog's operation will cost about $1,100.
That does not include the pain medications Falko will need during his
recovery.

Dolnick said he expects to take the money out of several Police
Department accounts, including equipment and uniforms.

"We anticipate several more years of service out of Falko," possibly
until the dog is 10, Dolnick said.

He quickly added, "He's worth it."

The Village Board was slated to learn about the operation on Tuesday
night. Dolnick said he did not plan to ask the board for any
additional money to cover the cost of Falko's surgery.

"But if anyone would care to donate for the upkeep of the dog, for the
operation and the other expenses as we go along," the chief said, "we
would certainly appreciate that."