By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
He has been known as the hero dog working on the force.
He has made his share of busts too.
But after his handler resigned from the department, the town police dog’s future on the force was in question.
On the agenda of the Okarche Town Trustees meeting Monday, May 20 was discussion of the K9 drug dog due to “resignation of handler.”
Town Clerk Dana Reese explained that Rocky’s most recent handler was Eric Vincent, an officer who resigned. Police Chief Forrest Smith, who previously praised Rocky, was fired in April by the Board of Trustees.
Eric Vincent had been the handler during the time of Rocky’s service. A police dog can be retired, donated to another agency or adopted by someone. Okarche would need a kennel and someone to care for him.
Vincent was at the meeting Monday. And he said he developed a bond with Rocky. The dog was purchased with a grant for the department, Vincent told trustees at the meeting Monday night, May 20.
“What I have learned is that if you put a dog who has worked with a handler with a new handler it is hard to do,” Vincent said.
Trustee Jason Kroener said the best thing for Rocky is to stay with Vincent.
Mayor Jeff Sadler made a motion to give Rocky to Vincent. The vote was unanimous Monday.
In November, Rocky helped Okarche officers find a large amount of methamphetamine and crack cocaine intercepted, according to former Police Chief Forrest Smith said.
“This four-legged hero has been summoned to the Chief’s office, but don’t worry, it’s not for any wrongdoing. In fact, it’s to celebrate and discuss Rocky’s astonishing track record for sniffing out drugs!” Smith wrote in his Facebook post in November.
Rocky takes his duty to protect and serve very seriously, Smith wrote, with Rocky’s countless successful drug busts and how his efforts have made a significant impact on keeping our community safe, Smith said.
K-9 Rocky was praised for “his outstanding work in sniffing out drugs and making our community a safer place,” Smith wrote.
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