Police to add K-9 unit

As the city continues to fight drug crime, the police department will add a new unit equipped with its own cage and four legs.
Portland Board of Works on Thursday approved the implementation of a K-9 unit for the city to combat its drug problem.
Chief Nathan Springer said the cost to start the K-9 program will be $22,668.10. That would include the purchase of a trained dog from Vohne Liche Kennels, Denver, Indiana, making the necessary accommodations like placing a cage in the back of one of the department’s vehicles, having an officer take a six-week training class with the animal, food and veterinary care.
A reserve officer also donated a secondary dog for the department’s use.
The officer, Cody Jessee, would begin training at Vohne Liche Kennels with the dog May 23.
Board member Bill Gibson asked the age of the dog when it comes in. Springer said it is usually 2 or 3 years old, and the department can get 10 to 12 years out of the animal for patrol.
“We know drugs are real easy to hide,” said Springer. “With the way the laws are, if we don’t see it, we can’t get in (the car).”
The board also approved a request to trade in one of the department’s cars for two new vehicles.
Board members approved to get two Ford Taurus models for $39,836 from Moser Motors in Portland. The other bid came from Fuqua Chrysler Dodge Trucks in Dunkirk for two new Chargers for $39,830. Springer noted the Dodge Charger the department plans to trade in has at least 92,000 miles on the vehicle.
In other business, the board —Jerry Leonhard, Portland Mayor Randy Geesaman and Gibson:
•Approved hiring Erica Post as an officer for Portland Police Department. Springer recommended Post, who was an intern, reserve and part-time dispatcher, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice criminology and passed the agility test. It could take up to a month for her to start full time.
The board also decided to honor the chief’s request to keep Jessica Ooten’s application as an alternative officer. Ooten, a reserve and part-time dispatcher, would automatically get the position if an opening becomes available within a year’s time.
•OK’d a change to the city’s sewer ordinance at the request of Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The city’s wastewater treatment plant has had violations for ammonia in the Salamonie River. The city was fined $6,000 in June by IDEM for high ammonia levels in 2014. At their highest, the levels read 2.4 milligrams per liter, almost a full percentage point more than the winter cap.
IDEM requested the ordinance have new language showing the city can set management and construction standards for design maintenance work to the plant. The ordinance change will go before Portland City Council for its next meeting for approval.
•Approved hiring Eric Butcher, Portland, as a reserve for Portland Fire Department.