From right, the current Hancock County Sheriff’s Office trio of the dual-purpose canine teams are Sgt. Hugh Tate with Gabe, Deputies 1st Class Clint Schon with K9 Major and Dante DiJirolanio with K-9 Kevin. The Deputy Sheriff’s Association is looking to add a fourth K-9, bringing them up to their full capacity. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County has been down to only three K-9 police dogs for a little while and the Hancock County Deputy Sheriff’s Association thinks it has been long enough.

As association president Hugh Tate explained, “The decision to do so is due to the number of cases where K-9 teams have been instrumental, and vital opportunities still need met.”

The cities of Chester and East Liverpool no longer have K-9 officers. So they need to call outside agencies like Hancock County Sheriff to meet the need.

Thus there is a higher demand for the dogs they do have.

Tate added this is where the public comes in, as they need their help to raise the funds.

The cost to acquire a trained and certified dual-purpose K-9 costs at least $20,000. “The handler will travel to North Carolina to attend an eight-week course with the new K-9,” he added.

The new team will learn about narcotic detection, criminal tracking and apprehension, locating lost persons, officer protection and community relations.

Acquisition of the dog from NC K-9 of Four Oaks in North Carolina, the new team’s training as well as certifications can be expensive. Some — but not necessarily– all the equipment is included in the $20,000. A cruiser will be outfitted as well if an existing one cannot be found for them.

In-kind or monetary donations can be forwarded to The Hancock County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (write “K-9 fund” on the memo line of any checks), P.O. Box 210; New Cumberland, WV 26047.

Since the association is a 501(c)3, donations are tax deductible.

For further information about the fundraising drive, call Tate at 304-374-8172.