Dog will search for drugs, suspects in variety of situations

The Braelinn Kroger has historically made it a point to support law enforcement, and that effort has continued with a $500 donation that will go towards purchasing a dog for the department’s planned K-9 unit.

The dog will not only sniff out narcotics but will also be able to perform other tasks including tracking of suspects or missing persons, officials said. The dog’s presence also will serve as a crime deterrent by helping officers during physical confrontations, police said.

The dog will be able to detect drugs in areas such as school lockers and parking lots along with vehicles and homes, police said. They could also be able to conduct package searches, which would be handy at a local parcel distribution center.

The dogs will also be used for demonstrations at community events and at Drug Abuse Resistance and Education classes and similar events, police said.

Back in 1989 the Braelinn Kroger was able to provide all the funds to purchase a K-9 dog for the department, said Store Manager Paul Yellina.

In August the Panasonic corporation donated $13,000 towards the program. The start up costs are estimated to be $36,000 and that will include two dogs, training, special equipment for patrol vehicles, kennels and other needs.

Donations are tax-deductible and checks can be dropped off at the Peachtree City Police Department on Commerce Drive North. Checks should be made payable to the City of Peachtree City and a note in the memo line denoting its for the K-9 program.

For more information, email Becky Smith at bsmith719@bellsouth.net or Sgt. Matt Myers at mmyers@ptcgovernment.org.