Sheriff’s department seeking K-9 unit

The Dubois County Sheriff’s Department received permission to begin fundraising to purchase a police dog.

The commissioners granted Sheriff Donnie Lampert’s request to begin soliciting public donations for the purchase of a dog trained in drug detection and tracking. Lampert would like to raise between $11,000 and $12,000 for the purchase and add the maintenance cost to his annual budget.

County Council members were skeptical when Lampert presented the plan to them last week. Council president Greg Kendall questioned the need for a police dog for the department and stated the previous experience with a police dog was costly for the department due to overtime hours being paid for its maintenance.

Lampert told the council the overtime costs will not be an issue if they are able to procure a dog.

Currently two departments have police dogs in the county, Jasper City Police have a canine that is about to retire and has begun raising money for the purchase of a replacement; and the Indiana State Police post has a canine unit as well.

The Jasper dog is not normally available for use outside the city of Jasper. The Indiana State Police unit is used throughout the Jasper State Police District which encompasses seven counties, making it difficult to use on a regular basis.

Sheriff Lampert designated deputies Jesus Monarrez and Brad Kendall as the department’s K-9 handlers if the department is able to purchase a dog. It is unclear whether the two will share a single dog or possibly purchase two dogs.

The dual purpose dog, drugs and tracking, is about $1000 more to purchase but will allow more utility for the new unit. As a drug dog it will be used to detect drugs during traffic stops and other situations. As a tracking dog it will be able to detect individuals that are lost or fleeing police.

Individuals interested in supporting the sheriff’s department can contact them at 482-3522.