Published: October 18, 2009 07:44 pm      

Third K-9 officer named

Six-year veteran Adam Morrow to begin training in November.

After much consideration from the chief, the third Logansport Police Department K-9 officer has been named.

First Sgt. Adam Morrow, a six-year veteran with the department, recently won out over other officers interested in the position that comes with more duties than a regular patrolman. Chief A.J. Rozzi said the decision did not come easily.

“It really wasn’t an easy choice for me in which one that I was going to put in that position,” Rozzi said. “I just had to make a determination as to which one I thought would be best for the department. It wasn’t an easy decision by any means.”

Morrow, who was reportedly thrilled about being chosen, begins five weeks of training at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind. on Nov. 16. He will go to the kennels the week before to pick the dog that will become his crime-fighting partner over the next five or more years.

Rozzi said Morrow and his K-9 should be patrolling Logansport streets just before the department switches to 12-hour shifts on Jan. 1. The chief is looking forward to seeing his goal of having quick access to a K-9 nearly 24/7.

The third K-9 will allow the police department to have a K-9 available every day from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., as well as during the day shift Monday through Friday. Rozzi said this is key because quicker response time equates to better scents for the K-9 to pick up on.

“I think it’s a great advantage to the department and the community to get those dogs out there,” Rozzi said.

Patrolman Travis Yike recently began duty with K-9 Hodo. Rozzi said the pair is doing well.

“He’s been going great,” Rozzi said. “He’s anxious to get out there and see what he can do with it and help the community.”

In a recent search for a wanted person, the suspect gave up before Yike had to release the K-9.

The money for the two K-9s and the training, which total about $25,000, came from a city council appropriation in August coupled with about $9,000 raised in a golf scramble fundraiser in September.

Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at (574) 732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com.