JACKSON COUNTY ADDS ANOTHER DRUG DOG

PASCAGOULA - The Jackson County Sheriff's Department added another dog on
Monday to help fight against drugs.

Sheriff Mike Byrd said the German shepherd, Rio, came from Czechoslovakia
and will be used "for K-9 everything, especially in the fight against
drugs." The department now has four dogs, including one bloodhound for
tracking.

"Rio will be on the front line aiding our local law enforcement to stop
drug dealers in our community," said District Attorney Tony Lawrence. "I am
proud that we were able to use drug dealers' own funds to put more drug
dealers behind bars."

The $3,500 cost of the dog was paid by the DA's Office from money forfeited
by drug dealers.

Byrd said the cost of sending the department's certified dog trainer to
school was paid by a grant.

Rio has been assigned to Deputy Brian Cooper, who works with the FBI Task Force.