Wintersville’s new K-9 unit is on the job
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WINTERSVILLE -- It was Monday, their first day on the job, and the services of the village's new K-9 unit were put to use, said Village Police Chief Lou Vandeborne.
Vandeborne said police dog Rexy, under the handling of Patrolman Justin Barbetta, discovered marijuana and needles during a traffic stop, leading to the pair's first two arrests.
But on Tuesday, it was all fun and games as Barbetta demonstrated the 1-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois' ability to conduct searches through a run along Edward P. Laman Community Park behind the Village Building.
Romping along a 100-yard area, Rexy recovered a pair of handcuffs, a tourniquet and a respirator spread several feet apart.
Barbetta said his ability at finding people and things can help the department find a suspect or missing person.
He noted Rexy's keen sense of smell also can lead officers to a variety of illegal narcotics, firearms and in the event of a bomb threat, explosives.
Barbetta said his commands for Rexy are in Dutch because the dog hails from Holland.
While undergoing five weeks of training at Tri-State Canine Services of Warren, Barbetta has learned to work with his new partner and to keep up with the energetic canine.
"I have been told this may be the most stressful job I will have but also the most rewarding," said Barbetta, who had worked as chief humane officer for the Jefferson County Humane Society before coming to the Wintersville Police Department.
He noted that like many K-9 units, he and Rexy will live together, further bonding their relationship.
Fellow village officer Shawn Gegich noted he had worked with two police dogs, each for several years, and following their retirements, they continued to live with him.
Of Rexy, Barbetta said, "If he's healthy and can keep working, he can work eight to nine years."
Barbetta and Gegich are among multiple officers who have handled police dogs in the village, including former chief Art Fowler and Jessie Kosegi, who now serves as village administrator.
Vandeborne said there are a number of local law enforcement agencies with K-9 units, but the village will make theirs available to others when needed.
Mayor Mike Petrella voiced support for that, saying, "We've all got to work together for the community to be safe."
Barbetta said he and Rexy must undergo 16 hours of refresher training each month and may return to Warren for that or receive it through a certified trainer with a local police department.
Vandeborne said as with any part of the police department, costs for the K-9 unit are ongoing, and the continued support of the community would be appreciated.
He said it cost about $76,000 for the dog, its training, a vehicle with a carrier and other related equipment.
Vandeborne added the current vehicle has seen much use and will need to be replaced in the not distant future.
"The community has been outstanding with their support and donations. We have had several people walk through the door to make a donation since July. No donation is too small," said the chief.
He confirmed Grit Gear Apparel, a local business, is continuing to provide to the department a portion of proceeds from the sale of Wintersville K-9 T-shirts.
Vandeborne noted donation forms can be found at the department's website at www.wintersvillepolice.us and checks may be made to the Wintersville Police Department, 200 Grove St., Wintersville, OH 43953.