July 18, 2011

I am saddened to report on July 17, 2011 the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has lost K-9 Viper in the line of Duty. K-9 Viper and Deputy Jared Zeller were called upon for a narcotic search. K-9 Viper came into contact with a kilo of cocaine and K-9 Viper ingested a fatal amount. K-9 Viper was doing what we as handlers want, giving Deputy Zeller his all. Please keep Deputy Zeller his family and friends in your prayers.  It has been a very difficult week for the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. The day before the loss of K-9 Viper Cpl. Brian Chism lost his first police dog that was retired, to a brain tumor. K-9 Benny as well as K-9 Viper provided years of loyal commitment to these Handlers, unconditional love to their families, and faced danger on a daily basis for the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Please Keep Deputy Zeller and Cpl. Chism there family and friends and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s office in your prayers as they cope with the loss of their Brave, Loyal, Partner and Friend.  There will be a ceremony in honor of K-9 Viper and K-9 Benny on July 19, 2011 at 11:00 am located at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Your K-9 partners are encouraged to attend.       

President Jason Cummings

Febuary 6, 2011

Greetings Region II members,
As most of you are probably aware there has been some confusion regarding the ballots for the office of National Vice President Southeast. Thus, the ballot now contains only a write in category with no candidates listed for this particular position. One of our members, Tim Braddy, wishes to fill this vacancy. For those not familiar with him, Tim has 22 years of experience in law enforcement. He is the founder and president of East Coast Canine, Inc. and is a Certified Regional Trainer within the USPCA. He has conducted numerous basic canine classes in addition to many other specialized courses of instruction.
Presently, Tim is the K9 training coordinator for the Rocky Mount Police Department where he also continues to serve as a canine handler. As Tim continues his commitment to further the mission of the USPCA he would appreciate your “write in” vote for the position of National Vice President Southeast. Thank you in advance for your support and should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email him at tim@eastcoastcanine.com.

Jesse Webb

January 28, 2011

It sadden us to inform you that K-9 Car  passed away on 01-27-2011. K-9 Car was a very loyal and committed partner to Sgt. Clay Benton and the New Hanover County Sheriff's Dept.
K-9 Car was also a very loved family man at home and we know he will be missed dearly. Please keep Sgt. Benton and his family in your hearts and prayers. 

June 4, 2010

The following letter was received by Jim Matarese in regards to an out of region handler that participated in the PDI trials in Savannah last month. It is acts like these that make it an honor
to be a member of this region and this organization!;

Mr. Matarese,

I wanted to take a few moments of your time to tell you about the overwhelmingly pleasant experience I had recently at the Region 2 PD-1 Regional Field Trial in Savannah, GA.  I am a current USPCA member of
Region 1 as a K-9 handler with the Polk County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.  I have been a Law Enforcement Officer for 15 years and a K-9 handler for 7 of them.  I now handle a 22 month Belgian Malinois named Bosco.
  I raised Bosco from a ten week old puppy to replace my now retired 8 year old German Shepherd.  For reasons too long to list, I had an uphill battle to work Bosco due to his breed, including purchasing him
with my own money and donating him to our agency as a work dog.  My motivation behind this was twofold: one, I set a goal for myself when I entered K-9 seven years ago to work, at very least, a German Shepherd
and a Belgian Malinois, to say I had worked two of the most commonly used breeds of dogs in police work should I get promoted or leave the unit after.  Second, I set another goal to myself to raise a puppy into
a police dog to see what I had in me as a trainer.

I attended a PD-1 mini-trial in Lakeland on April 3, 2010 and I failed to achieve 70% of my apprehension work and subsequently did not certify.  I was then assigned to attend the Region 2 Regional PD-1 Field Trial
in Savannah May 5-8, 2010, only one month later.  My nerves were shot as I only had one month to improve and still had to work my Shepherd while I trained the Malinois in my down time (as I know you realize we
as K-9 handlers have so much of). I arrived in Savannah a nervous wreck with my stomach churning, realizing I did not know anyone at the trial, no judges, no stewards, no fellow handlers.  The only person I knew
that would be in attendance was my Sergeant, who would be my decoy and he was not coming until the second day I was there.

This leads to me the reason for contacting you.  I no sooner exited my patrol car in the hotel parking lot when I was approached by a man I did not know who introduced himself (by name) to me, welcomed me
and talked with me for 10 minutes.  I found out at the competitor’s meeting that this man was one of the judges for the trial.  Unfortunately, I am unable to remember his name.  I settled into my room and went
to the competitor’s meeting.  I sat at a table alone, as there were several others sitting together that knew each other and I did not want to intrude.  Within 5 minutes of sitting down, I was approached by
another man who introduced himself to me, asked me how my trip was, asked if I needed any help with anything and talked to me for at least another 15 minutes.  As the man walked away, I saw him talking to
other people at the front of the room, asking people to sit with me, as I was from out of the region and there alone so far.  That man, I also discovered later, was R.O. Rogers, yet another trial judge.

Within 15 more minutes, I was surrounded by K-9 handlers from the Department of Energy, Calvin Jeffcoat, Pat Price and Norris Bunch at my table.  5 minutes later, we were talking as if we were old friends. 
After the competitor’s meeting, I decided to go to the agility and box search field to get some practice in.  Days before I left Lakeland to head to the trial, I inadvertently gave my dog a serious negative on the
box search and was very nervous about it.  A group of other people showed up and began walking the fields also.  I asked the group if anyone would mind hiding in a box for me for a quick box search, as my decoy
would not be there until the next day, and one person quickly volunteered.  After a painstaking process, I didn’t believe the dog would verbally alert and I called the sweaty volunteer from the box and thanked her
for her help.  The next day I found out she was a steward for the trial, Christa Long.  On the day of box searches, the dog searched and verbally and physically alerted properly, thanks to her help.

As if I wasn’t nervous enough, the first day of competition arrived and my alarm failed to go off as, unbeknownst to me, my cell phone had died sometime during the night.  I arrived at the agility field at 8:30 when
it started at 8:00 and had already missed my turn.  One of the judges told me to go do my obedience and I could be placed after the next group was finished with their obedience.  One of the Officers from the host
agency of Savannah-Chatham Metro PD came and found me BEFORE I was able to go for my obedience routine and welcomed me over to complete my agility routine.  His name was Will Fernandez.  Later, I asked
Officer Fernandez if there was any way I could borrow some cones for some practice.  5 minutes later, I had 10 cones at my car.  When I told him thank you and how much I appreciated it, I was told, “Come on,
that’s what we’re here for!”

The next couple days went off pretty well, smoothing out for me.  Standing in a group with some other competitors, I overheard a story about two handlers that were having some issues with their dogs outing
from their decoys.  These handlers found one of the judges that knew at his hotel room and told him the problems they were having.  Unfortunately, I never learned his name.  Either way, this judge went out to help
them practice and give them some tips that led to both of their dogs outing like a champ on game day.  These handlers didn’t know until later that the judge was in bed and asleep when they came to ask him for
some advice.  Not only did he give it to them, he got out of bed and helped them train and they never knew it until later.

My Sergeant finally arrived and the first words I said upon seeing him was, “You’re not going to believe this place.  These people are amazing!”  I told him everything that had happened and how much help everyone
had been and you never knew who you were talking to because everyone, judges included, were so friendly and helpful.  So, the day I had been dreading had arrived and it was time for apprehension work.  I found
out later I was correct in my assumption that had my “puppy” not certified that day, he would’ve been washed out of our K-9 program, retired to me, and I would have had to sell him.  My Sergeant had already
planned a contingency trip to look at vendors for a dog to replace him for me should that happen.  Walking onto the apprehension field that day with my 22 month old high drive Malinois (the first Malinois I have
ever handled) felt like the most stress I had ever been involved in my entire life and I am a VERY calm and level headed person normally.  The steward on the apprehension field, Keith Morris, talked to me calmly,
explained things to me, gave me opportunities to ask questions and could obviously tell I was stressed.  Keith’s use of interpersonal skills through his voice behind me had such a calming effect that not only did
my dog do well, the only thing he messed up of consequence was his pat-down without assault.  “He’s never done that before”, which he truly hadn’t.

Sir, I apologize for taking so much of your time, I’ve been accused of being long-winded before, but I wanted to recognize every person from steward to judge to competitor from Region 2 and tell you how
impressed I was with them.  Professionalism, genuine concern, selflessness and camaraderie are only four of the many words I could use to explain the attitudes displayed by people representing not only their
individual agencies, but the United States Police Canine Association as a whole.  We have Customer Service beat into our brains once a year by our agency and although it gets old hearing about, it never gets
old receiving it.  The people of Region 2 should be recognized and commended as true professionals that I feel better having met.  My first out of region experience is one I will never forget, for a truly wonderful
reason!

Very Respectfully,

Deputy Sheriff Steve Hearth and K-9 Bosco – Polk County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
(863) 287-6851

Deputy Sheriff Steve Hearth
Polk County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit
Patrol / Narcotics Dog Handler / Trainer / Evaluator
www.polksheriff.org
(863) 533-0344

May 8, 2010

The trial in Savannah is complete and the results are posted on the web site. A special thanks to the Savannah-Metro Police Department for hosting a great trial.
The weather cooperated for the entire trial and it was a great time by all.

During the competitor's meeting nominations for the new executive board were taken. Nominations are still open. Please submit any nominees to Kevin Johnson. Also contact him
with any questions about the upcoming board positions.

Remember this is your region...Please take every opportunity to get involved!

May 3, 2010

Here are the rules that were approved during the national Executive Board meeting yesterday:  Please note that these changes will not take effect until 1-1-2011.      

 Page 2,  Letter J;  changed to read:
          No national scoring judge shall compete or participate in the national trials other than in a judging or steward capacity- i.e. runner. 

Page 2, Letter 5.b and page 19, #10 and EDD Certification requirements: Change to:  Remove all references to prong, pinch or spike collars.
          No electronic devices,  whistles,  ultrasonic devices or related aides not specifically stated herein will be allowed.

PDI  #3 letter L,  #7  Letter E,   Detector   #3 letter K ,     EDD:  as listed in the PDI rules
          Members of the rules and judges committees cannot rule on protests of their own department.   The committee ruling on protests shall consist of three or more odd number members as selected by the Chief Judge, 

Rule Change  Explosive Detection Canines  1.  Judges
          Line 3.  A minimum of three judges will be used for each phase of the certification with the exception of the Odor Recognition Phase which requires only one judge. 

Explosive Detection Canines  III Part two,  et al.
Remove the word COMPOUND anywhere it is found in the test and replace with the word EXPLOSIVE or EXPLOSIVES.  (Found in multiple areas)

Rules change -   6.  Criminal Apprehension with Gunfire:
A.  All guns used in this phase must be capable of firing 38-caliber blanks.  Guns will be loaded with two live blanks and will be checked by a judge or steward before and after this phase. 
B.   Two shots will be fired,  at the direction of the steward or judge,  but no shots will be fired once the dog is within fifteen feet of the decoy.  
D.   The dog will start from the finish position at the starting line. The decoy will be at the thirty yard line.   When the handler is ready and at the direction  of the steward or judge,  the decoy will start firing and begin running in a straight line away from the dog.  ( no penalty if the dog goes after the first shot)  If the dog must be commanded,   then only one command will be used.  Note;   The first shot is to be fired before the runner moves and the 2nd shot fired after the decoy is running,  but before the apprehension

Rules Change:   PDI Certification    3.  Judges and Judging
B.1    The chief judge at Region certifications shall have the same responsibilities,  but may be a scoring judge if needed. Chief Judges for a regional trial may be from that Region,  but a Chief Judge for a National Trial must be from outside the host region. 

Rules Change:   PDI Certification        5.   Test Requirements:
J.    Any extreme or abusive correction or treatment of a dog -  loss of tempter or display of poor sportsmanship by the handler – will result in disqualification from the certification as determined by the Chief Judge. .   (remove  the word immediate)

Explosives Certification -  Under judges:  #1   The Chief judge for this test must have a background in explosive detection,  either as an explosive detection trainer or handler or has successfully completed the ATF evaluators course.

February 8, 2010

On May 19, 2010 The Burlington Police Department (NC) will be hosting a
Canine Legal Seminar featuring a special guest speaker Terry Fleck.
The course will address the legal issues of canine usage, canine tactics, training, report writing, and the prevention of litigation. This course is a must for any K-9 Handler, Administrator, or Departmental Legal Advisor.

Terry Fleck has over 26 years experience as a K-9 Handler, has a Doctorate of Education in Criminal Justice, is a recognized expert in canine legalities and has instructed over 23,000 students.

Terry Fleck is retiring soon and this could be your last opportunity to hear him speak in this area.

Registration will be limited to the first 75 students. Cost: $125.00 per student.

Registration and Information Contacts:

Director of Training
Allyson Norton
267 W. Front St., Burlington NC 27215
PH# (336) 229-3517
anorton@ci.burlington.nc.us

K-9 Supervisor
S/Sgt. Reid Metters
267 W. Front St. Burlington NC 27215
PH# (336) 229-2507
metters@ci.burlington.nc.us

February 4, 2010

TO: All K-9 Units

FROM: Archdale Police Department

SUBJECT: K-9 Seminar

There will be a K-9 Apprehension Control Training Seminar taught by Michael C. Criscoe, K-9 Instructor & Retired North Carolina Wildlife Enforcement Officer, and national judge for USPCA,
held at the Archdale campus of Randolph County Community College (214 Park Drive Archdale NC 27263) March 30 through April 1, 2010. The training is three consecutive eight hour days.
On the first day, there is a review of the course for approximately 3-4 hours in the classroom; the remainder of the training is conducted on the training field. The class will be limited to eight K-9’s
and unlimited handlers.
There will be no cost to certified sworn law enforcement but prior registration is required.

For registration please contact Lori Alston, coordinator with Randolph Community College, at 336-633-4165.

For any additional information please contact Mike Andrews Jr., Archdale Police Department K-9 handler, at 336-442-0176 or email mike.andrews72@yahoo.com.

December 8, 2009

It is with the utmost sorrow that I advise that the region has lost one of their own. Deputy Charlie Brown was shot and killed today. Charlie served with the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
He was at the trial in Carolina Beach and also attended the PDII trial last weekend in Wilson. Our hearts are heavy as we pray
for him and his family during this tragic time. May God look over both him and his family.

UPDATE:

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Martin County Deputy Charlie Brown, who was killed in the line of duty Tuesday morning.
Charlie's funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Senator Bob Martin Agricultural Center in Williamston. A horse drawn caisson honor unit
will carry the body to the Tice Family Cemetery in Farm Life for burial. The family will receive friends Friday night, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the
Agricultural Center as well.

K9 officer need to be at the Bob Martin Agricultural Center at 1230hrs and have your canines with you. 
We will be setting  up and going to the Cemetery prior to the family.
Contact Tim Braddy with any questions at 252-813-2543

Address of Services:
Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center
2900 NC Hwy 125 South
Williamston, NC 27892

Memorial contributions can be sent to:
Charlie's Angels College Fund
c/o BB&T Bank
902 Washington Street
Williamston, NC 27892

October 20, 2009

Click on the above for some important information concerning your k9 partner in regards to asbestos-caused cancer and the possible risks they face everyday.

There is a contact link on the page if you would like to receive additional information.

October 1, 2009

Congratulations to Clavin Jeffcoat for finishing 8th overall at this weeks National Field Trial in Des Moines, Iowa!!!

Top Twenty Overall

September 30, 2009

the Rules Committee,  which is made up of National VP’s,  met on Saturday here in Des Moines .   They plan on meeting once a year during the Spring trials from now on if possible.
The following rules were submitted from the Regions to their respective National VPS and have been approved (passed) out of the Rules Committee and will be up for vote by the National Board and Committees during the Spring 2010 National’s.   Each region should review the changes and report back to their respective representatives prior to the Spring meeting.  These will also be posted in the next Courier as well as the Web Page forum. 
Here are the proposed changes: 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 2,  Letter J;  changed to read:
        No national scoring judge shall compete or participate in the national trials other than in a judging or steward capacity- i.e. runner. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2, Letter 5.b and page 19, #10 and EDD Certification requirements: Change to:  Remove all references to prong, pinch or spike collars.
        No electronic devices,  whistles,  ultrasonic devices or related aides not specifically stated herein will be allowed.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rule change:   page 2,  letter 5.b,  Page 19, #10 and EDD certification requirements. 
        Whistles,  Ultrasonic devices or related aides not specifically stated herein will be allowed.  A dummy collar may be used in place of the e-collar but it must be inspected by the line steward or a judge prior to all phases when the dummy collar is used.  
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rule change:  PDI  #3 letter L,  #7  Letter E, Detector   #3 letter K , EDD:  as listed in the PDI rules
        Members of the rules and judges committees cannot rule on protests of their own department.   The committee ruling on protests shall consist of three or more odd number members as selected by the Chief Judge, 
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rule Change  Explosive Detection Canines  1.  Judges
        Line 3.  A minimum of three judges will be used for each phase of the certification with the exception of the Odor Recognition Phase which requires only one judge. 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rules change -  Explosive Detection Canines  III Part two,  et al.
Remove the word COMPOUND anywhere it is found in the test and replace with the word EXPLOSIVE or EXPLOSIVES.  (Found in multiple areas)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rules Change:   Criminal Apprehension Phase – To remove the Gunfire stage from Criminal Apprehension

5.   CRIMINAL APPREHENSION
Guard Position – an intermediate position,  sit or down,  used during the search of the decoy in the Apprehension phases, this position is the handlers option.

A.   The dog will start from the finish position at the starting line.   The decoy will be at the thirty yard line.   When the handler is ready,  and at the direction of the steward or judge,  the decoy will start running in a straight line away from the dog.   The handler will send the dog with one command after the decoy begins running. 
B.   After the dog engages,  the decoy will fight the dog for a reasonable time to allow the judges to observe the bite.  The handler may call their dog from the bite at any time after the judge calls their number or signals the handler.   The following two options will be available to each team:          
        Option 1 and Option 2 -  ****** No CHANGE **********
C.   The handler will be penalized (once) 25 points for physically removing his dog from the bite.  The only exception is the handler protection phase with a physical removal limited to a 10 point deduction.  The handler will remove the dog,  bring the dog to the finish position continuing the exercise.   NOTE:  The team can only be penalized 25 points (10 points handler protection).   Prior additional deduction points for extra commands,  slow release,  finish,  etc.,  cannot be added to physical removal points. 
D.   The handler will do a complete search of the decoy.  There will be no simulated searches.  The search will consist of both arms,  both legs and the torso of the decoy. 
E.   The dog will remain in the commanded guard position during the search or until the handler is assaulted. 

7.  HANDLER PROTECTION TEST
A.  The handler protection test will be integrated with the criminal apprehension and will begin when the handler leaves the dog in a guard position for the search after the apprehension.
B.  After the initial bite and the dog is placed in a guard position (as described in one of the two options)  the search is conducted.   The handler will do a complete search of the decoy.  (arms, legs,  torso) There will be no simulated searches.
C.  The assault shall be no less than an aggressive move or motion towards the handler by the decoy,  with his arm and no more than one contact of the decoy’s arm to the handlers body.  Either must be obvious to the judges.
D.  Once the handler is assaulted,  the dog will respond automatically and sustain the bite until commanded to release by the handler as detailed in the above options one and two. 

Scoring:    Drop the 100 points assigned to the event and thus the total score of PDI  would be 600.     To earn a PDI,  you would need a score of 420.  to earn national points,  the score would be 480.  The total for the apprehension phase would be 240 with the 70% being 168. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rules change -   6.  Criminal Apprehension with Gunfire:   Change from 6 shots fired to two shots fired 
A.  All guns used in this phase must be capable of firing 38-caliber blanks.  Guns will be loaded with two live blanks and will be checked by a judge or steward before and after this phase. 
B.   Two shots will be fired,  at the direction of the steward or judge,  but no shots will be fired once the dog is within fifteen feet of the decoy. 
D.   The dog will start from the finish position at the starting line. The decoy will be at the thirty yard line.   When the handler is ready and at the direction  of the steward or judge,  the decoy will start firing and begin running in a straight line away from the dog.  ( no penalty if the dog goes after the first shot)  If the dog must be commanded,   then only one command will be used.  Note;   The first shot is to be fired before the runner moves and the 2nd shot fired after the decoy is running,  but before the apprehension. 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rules Change:   PDI Certification    3.  Judges and Judging
B.1    The chief judge at Region certifications shall have the same responsibilities,  but may be a scoring judge if needed. Chief Judges for a regional trial may be from that Region,  but a Chief Judge for a National Trial must be from outside the host region. 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rules Change:   PDI Certification    3.  Judges and Judging
B.1    The chief judge at Region certifications shall have the same responsibilities,  but may be a scoring judge if needed. Chief Judges for a regional trial may be from that Region,  but a Chief Judge for a National Trial must be from outside the host region. 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Criminal Apprehension – Score sheets for Gunfire,  without Gunfire
On the Criminal Apprehension score sheet -  Under Apprehension without gunfire:   Major Deductions  
List Call – off   ½ to 20       List Physical Removal finish, call off and commands as -30  (no longer listed under minor deductions)

On the Criminal Apprehension with Gunfire under Apprehension with Gunfire: Major Deductions      Call off   ½ to 20     Physical Removal finish, call off and commands as -30.  ( no longer listed under minor deductions)

On the Criminal Apprehension with Gunfire under Handler Protection:
Call off     ½ to 10         Physical removal finish,  call off and commands as -15.  ( no longer listed under minor deductions)

September 29, 2009

The following By-laws were voted on in Des Moines and passed:  They are effective immediately.  Please note the changes in your By-Law books.  The changes will be made on the National Web site as soon as possible.

Under Article VIII       5.  There shall be a Special membership to the USPCA.  These members shall be any persons so designated by a Regional Executive Board.  Detector Dog Handlers whose work is done primarily for Law Enforcement,  but are not employed by a Law Enforcement Agency full time or otherwise,  may be granted Special membership to the USPCA with sponsorship in writing from a LEA who they have worked for as well as approval from the Region Board in which they reside.  The sponsorship letter shall be included with their yearly membership application.  Special members who meet these qualifications can be allowed to obtain a USPCA certification on a Regional level only from the geographical Region in which they reside.  A Special member shall be liable for dues or assessments.  They may attend regular meetings and may be heard at the discretion of the President.  Special members cannot hold office, nor do they have voting privileges.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Under VIII – Membership:      1.A   A full member to this Association who retires while being in good standing,  or no longer is a canine handler,  trainer or administrator,  shall retain the benefits of this Association with the exception of holding the offices of National Presidency,  National Vice Presidency or Regional Presidency. 

September 12, 2009

The Chapel Hill Police Department will be putting on a K-9 class this fall.  If anyone is interested call Jim Orbich at (919) 412-6867.  There will be a cost, but that is yet to be determined

September 8, 2009

I am Billy Hodges the Sgt of the Virginia Beach Police K9 Unit.   Believe it or not our city is currently building us a new K9 Office.   After working out of a trailer for over 20 years this is good thing for us…..We would like to create a K9 patch display for the new building so I am sending out this request.  If you or anyone that you work or train with could send a K9 patch it would be much appreciated.  If they are interested I will send one of ours back to them…Can you please relay this request to the K9 units that you work with.

Sgt Billy Hodges
VBPD K9 Unit
2667 Leroy Dr
Virginia Beach VA 23456

Thank You
Billy Hodges

August 23, 2009

After speaking with Cliff Matthews from Carolina Beach, he is requesting that those of you who are attending the fall PDI trial in Carolina Beach to go ahead and make your room reservation. It is a highly sought hotel and they are only blocking the rooms until Sept 15th. After that the unoccupied rooms will fill up fast to the general public, so make your reservations now! Check the Home Page for the Registration Form.

June 21, 2009

The region would like to extend their condolences to Region II Vice-President, Donnie Dolinger, on the loss of his K9, XATO. K9 XATO was laid to rest today after some medical problems with his hips. K9 XATO served both Donnie and the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklinburg County faithfully and will be missed by all. Please keep Donnie and his family in your thoughts during this time.

May 19, 2009

I'm looking for anyone who may have (and wants to get rid of) or know where I can locate a K-9 kennel for a 2003 and newer Ford Crown Victoria Patrol car.   The kennel is needed for a working K-9.  If you have information, please contact me via cell phone or e-mail.  Thanks in advance for any help.

cell- (336) 442-0176
email-  mike.andrews72@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Mike Andrews

(formally of Carolina Beach and now with Archdale Police Department) 

April 28, 2009

The region would like to congratulate Region 2 member Joe Mercer of the Raleigh Police Department and his K9 partner, Jens, on being selected for Patrol Case of the year for 2008 by the USPCA. Joe will be accepting his award at the 2009 National Field Trials in West De Moines Iowa in September. If you haven't had the chance to read about Joe's case click here. Again, Congratulations Joe and Jens on a job well done!

April 28, 2009

http://www.sccourts.org/opinions/displayOpinion.cfm?caseNo=26642

Police dogs win in state's high court

S.C. Supreme Court rules tracking evidence can be considered reliable

By RICK BRUNDRETT - rbrundrett@thestate.com
 Score one for the dogs.

The state’s top court Monday unanimously said a trial judge was correct in allowing a Richland County jury to hear evidence that a now-retired Columbia police tracking dog named Aurie located an armed robbery suspect in 2004.
Aurie, a German shepherd, found Gary A. White a short time after the robbery with the gun believed used in the robbery, the S.C. Supreme Court said in its ruling. White was convicted in 2005 and, because of the state’s “two strikes” law, was sentenced to life in prison.

White in his appeals contended the dog tracking evidence wasn’t reliable. But the Supreme Court disagreed.
“There was ample evidence concerning the training and reliability of the dog, Aurie,” Justice John Kittredge wrote for the court, noting the dog and his handler at the time of White’s trial had been partners for more than seven years and had conducted about 750 “tracks” together.
The court’s ruling for the first time established guidelines for S.C. judges to use in determining whether police dog tracking evidence is reliable, said those familiar with the case.
“It’s a victory for police dogs in the state of South Carolina,” said Columbia police Sgt. Andre Williams, who oversees the department’s K-9 unit. “It’s a huge case.”
The ruling comes as Columbia city officials are debating whether to do away with the police department’s K-9 and mounted patrol units. A total of 13 dogs and three horses could be laid off by July 1 because of budget shortfalls within the police department, The State newspaper reported Sunday.
Williams said he hopes Monday’s ruling will cause city officials to fund the K-9 unit. Most City Council members polled by The State said they would likely retain the dogs, though not the horses.
“It just goes to show how important a canine is to police work,” Williams said.
LaNelle DuRant, a state appellate defender who handled White’s appeal, said that although she was “disappointed in the end result” of Monday’s ruling, she agreed with the court’s establishment of guidelines in determining the reliability of dog tracking evidence.
“When you’re sending somebody away for life, it needs to be reliable,” she said.
DuRant described the case as a “novel” legal issue in South Carolina, noting other states have established similar guidelines for dog tracking evidence.
Aurie and his former handler, Officer Richard Gunter, tracked White, then 22, to a nearby wooded area a short time after the April 19, 2004, robbery at a convenience store at Garners Ferry Road and Old Woodlands Road, Williams said.
The court in its ruling gave this account of the robbery:
White, who drove to the store with two other men after midnight, held a gun to the neck of a store clerk while one of his accomplices stole cash, lottery tickets and an 18-pack of beer. A drunken White fell unconscious momentarily before being awakened by his accomplice and forcing the clerk toward the door.
A city officer who was pulling into the store lot spotted the clerk flagging him down, and one of the robbers, who later was identified as White, running away. Gunter and Aurie arrived on the scene about 30 minutes later and followed a scent trail to find White nearby “sleeping next to some bushes, gun in hand.”
A Richland County jury in June 2005 convicted White of two counts of armed robbery and one count of kidnapping, according to court and State Law Enforcement Division records. Circuit Judge James Barber sentenced White, who had a prior armed robbery conviction according to SLED records, to life in prison without parole under the state’s “two-strikes” law for violent offenders, DuRant said.
The state Court of Appeals later upheld the conviction.
The approximately 13-year-old Aurie, which the Supreme Court noted descended from a “bloodline of known police and military working dogs,” remains with his former handler, Gunter, after retiring in 2007, Williams said.
“He’s still in good health,” Williams said, adding, “He’s spoiled rotten.”

April 23, 2009

The region would like to extend their condolences to the Savannah River Site and the Harman Family on the tragic loss of their colleague and friend.

From Russ Hess:

This was the handler from Savannah River site, David Harman & Rocky who won Top Dog in 1997 in Lakeland, Florida. Many will remember David as always an easy going guy who loved K-9.
I just received notice that David Harman passed away last night at the Aiken Regional Medical Center. Over the past couple of years, he had both of his feet amputated (diabetes) and he has been going through rehabilitation learning to walk with his new foot prosthetics. His family took him to the hospital yesterday because of heart problems and he declined ever since. I do not have any further information about the funeral arrangements. .
The following information is provided on the funeral arrangements for David Harman.

David has been a USPCA member of Region Two for many years. I grew to know David over the years and this man always had an upbeat attitude and I can say was always a pleasure to be around.

God Speed Dear Friend, and our prayers are with your family and friends.

Friday (4/24/09) - Visitation 06:00 to 08:00 PM.

Saturday (4/25/09) - Funeral Service (01:00 PM)

Both events will be held at the following location:

Hatcher Funeral Home
3464 Jefferson Davis Highway
Langley, South Carolina  

Phone: (803) 593-8778

March 8, 2009

The Region would like to extend their condolences to Phil Medlin and his family for the loss of K9 "Axe". "Axe" passed away in his sleep on Sunday. He retired from the Raleigh Police Department 2 years ago and has been a wonderful pet for the Medlin home. Axe will be remembered as a loyal partner to Phil and a great police dog for the citizens of Raleigh. Please Keep Phil and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

February 14, 2009

The Region would like to extend their condolences to Jason Cummings and his family on the loss of K9 "Chess". "Chess" passed away this morning after a battle with acute kidney failure. "Chess" was an outstanding dog and a loyal partner to Jason. Please keep Jason in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

February 8, 2009

The National Ballots have been mailed out and Region II's Kevin Johnson of Wilson PD is running for the position of Southeast Vice President. He is running against Laz Cabrera from Lady Lake PD in Florida. Below you will find the two candidates bio for the position. Please click on their name below to read over their qualifications and return your ballot by the assigned time. Good Luck to both candidates.

January 18, 2009

Congratulations to Officer Joe Mercer and K9 Jens from Raleigh PD for winning the USPCA National Case of the Quarter during the 3rd quarter of 2008. Joe and Jens are now eligible for the National Case of the Year for 2008. Those results will be available a little later this year after the 4th quarter case is chosen. Good Luck Joe and Jens!

A REMINDER asking for your vote for KEVIN JOHNSON of Wilson, NC Police Department for National Southeast Vice-President of the USPCA. The ballots should be arriving soon and it would be a great voice to have a region member on the National Board. Please join me in supporting Kevin and mail in your ballot for him.

January 28, 2009

The region would like to Thank Dr. Stuart Hilliard, Jim Matarese, Wayne Stewart and Stafford Brister for an excellent presentation at the regions Fort Fisher Training Seminar. Also, Thanks to Kevin Beck and his contacts at the Fort Fisher Air Force Base for providing the lodging and meals. The weather was not ideal but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and more importantly learned alot. Again thank you to all who participated and we will be posting more opportunities for other training events soon on the web site.

January 30, 2009

ATTN: All Explosive Dog Handlers- Please read the attached document concerning the new odor recognition test. It contains great information concerning the new test and how to start to prepare your dog for it. It can be viewed here as a microsoft word document.