Wellsburg officials get K-9 demonstration

WELLSBURG -- While Wellsburg Council could not conduct official business Tuesday because of a lack of a quorum for its regular meeting, officials and residents in attendance were treated to a brief demonstration by the newest addition to the city’s police department.

Wellsburg Patrolman Caleb Minger and his new K-9 partner, Kimber, were welcomed to council chambers, where Kimber was led around the room in a demonstration of her tracking abilities. In less than a minute, she made her first detection, locating an illegal substance near one of the council members’ seats.

“Officer Minger had earlier placed some drugs in the desk,” Police Chief Mike Allman said.

Minger confirmed he had hidden a small amount of cocaine in one of the drawers of the council dais before the meeting as part of the planned demonstration.

Kimber later made a second detection in the audience seating area of council chambers.

Kimber, a 1-year-old German shorthaired pointer, joined the department in the spring. She and Minger completed a four-week training program at Tri-State Canine, where they earned certification through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy by demonstrating proficiency in narcotics detection and tracking.

Minger said Kimber already has been involved in four arrests in the city but is still becoming accustomed to working around large groups of people.

“We’ll have to do another one when she’s more people friendly,” Minger said following the demonstration.

In other matters, council heard from Kevin Maloney, speaking on behalf of the Oil Can Derby and Super Kids Race committee, which organizes races held as part of the city’s Independence Day festivities.

“This is the first year for the Super Kids race,” Maloney said, adding it is the only such event for individuals with special needs in West Virginia. He thanked the committee, city officials and volunteers for their support.

Maloney said money raised through the races will be used to support future events in the community.

With only three of the eight council members in attendance, no official action could be taken. Mayor Dan Dudley said another meeting will be scheduled as soon as possible.