CONTRIBUTIONS FOR DRUG DOG EXCEED NEED

PAINTSVILLE - Funds solicited by the Paintsville Police Department will
more than cover the expense of purchasing a drug-detection canine and
training for a dog handler.

Mayor Robin Cooper said Tuesday that city police officer Brett Meadows, who
solicited the funds and who will be trained in September as the dog's
handler, has indicated he will have left-over funds to assist with the
purchase of another police cruiser or equipment.

During talks about purchasing a cruiser, the mayor said Meadows advised him
that more than enough funds were raised for the drug dog and training, and
"I think I can help you a little."

Meadows raised $6,151.37 for the purchase of a drug-detection dog, and
police chief Doug Wallen said Tuesday that the cost for the canine,
training for the handler and expenses will total $5,300 - leaving $851.37
to go toward the purchase of a cruiser and equipment.

Eleven area residents and business donated funds for the purchase of a drug
dog. Individual contributions ranged from $10 to $4,200 from a single
individual, who has apparently requested to remain anonymous, according to
the mayor.

"I don't even know who that was...," Cooper said when asked about the
identity of the source for the substantial contribution.

The dog will be either a Malinois or a German Shepherd and will be ready
for a scheduled training session on Sept. 23. The training consists of a
three-week course.

Wallen said last week that the drug dog is being purchased from a
nationally-recognized leader in training drug dogs - Global Training
Academy Inc. in Somerset, Texas.

Meadows, a former officer with Lexington Metro, has prior experience
working with drug dogs, according to the police chief.

The police chief said the drug-detection dog will be an asset to the city
police department, local schools and any agency that requests its services.