A K-9 officer indicates there are narcotics during a mock traffic stop at Clemons Creek. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Cars and SUVs with emergency lights on top and painted emblems for law enforcement agencies from as far away as Kossuth County and Waverly to local Washington County vehicles, were seen around Washington County this week for training. Washington County hosted a K-9 recertification for Dogs for Law Enforcement with 19 dog handler teams. Officers worked with master instructors on patrol, tracking and narcotics detection.

KCII News spoke with Washington County Deputy Nolan Burke at Clemons Creek about the mock traffic stops they were conducting. One officer and K-9 went around a sedan with the dog smelling the outside of the vehicle, focused, working, and suddenly he sat down, but remained alert. Burke says the dogs have “passive alerts” which means they sit when they detect the odor of narcotics. He added the dogs did a great job and passed their tests.

The sheriff’s office has had Vasco and Draco K-9 officers for nearly two years now. Once a year departments have to go through this to keep certifications and this was the first time for Washington County hosted.

Burke said he had to plan venues to hold sessions and that area sponsors helped provide vehicles, food and water, including Hometown Inn and Suites which had many four-legged guests this week. Local sponsors included Casey’s, Moore’s BP and Towing, JP’s 207, Hometown Inn and Suites, and Hy-Vee.