Officer Butch is already on the job

The Town of Bath Police Department has a new addition, a German Shepherd named Butch, a work dog imported directly from Germany.

Butch and his handler, Corporal Craig Pearrell, have been training during the past month at Battle Ridge K-9 and Kennel Services in Madison. Together they compose the new K-9 Unit of the Bath Police Department.

Pearrell approached the town council about creating a K-9 unit in 2005. At that time, funding was not available. After Jim Minton took over

as the town's new police chief this winter, he concluded the best way to fund the project was through private donations.

With the council's blessing, Minton and Pearrell worked to secure donations. Thirty businesses and private citizens contributed more than $13,000 to the fund.

The money paid for the dog, training for the dog and handler, a kennel, and a

1998 Chevy Blazer, modified for the K-9 Unit. Dr. Sally Pepper has volunteered veterinary services at a reduced cost.

A common misconception is that Butch is a drug dog, although he is trained to find drugs, Butch can also conduct searches of buildings, searches for missing kids and assist in apprehen-

ding suspects, according to Minton.

"The project was able to move forward because of the leadership abilities

that Chief Minton has brought to the police force," Webster said.

Corporal Pearrell was all smiles. "I am really excited," he said.