POLICE DOG WILL BENEFIT MONESSEN

The Newest Member Of Monessen's Police Force Is Ready To Take A Bite
Out Of Crime.

Police dog Dax was introduced to city council last week. The
15-month-old German shepherd is trained to sniff out drugs and other
suspicious substances, and to aid in searches for missing persons.

Dax came to Monessen through the efforts of officer Jim Quattro, who
conducted a fund-raising effort earlier this year. Quattro's campaign
brought in more than $10,000 in contributions from area residents and
businesses. That money was used to purchase, train and take care of Dax.

The K-9 officer is being prepared for police duty by Mike Garrow, of
Charleroi, an officer with the Uniontown Police Department.

"These dogs are an asset to the community; they are a deterrent to
crime," said Garrow who has been training police dogs for 33 years.
In that time he has worked with about 25 K-9 officers and given
simple obedience lessons to hundreds of civilian pooches.

Even though Dax hasn't yet been assigned official patrol duties, he
has already proved his worthiness as an officer. Two weeks ago, as
Dax was undergoing training at City Park, two men were allegedly
found smoking crack cocaine. Dax searched their car and discovered a
crack pipe.

Last week, he assisted in a locker search at Monessen High School and
found several suspicious lockers, which were reported to school officials.

K-9 officers are much more than just mascots for police. Their keen
sense of smell and their intimidating presence make them valuable
members of any department, and we hope Dax will help serve and
protect Monessen for many years to come.