Burns sets his sights on 2nd drug K-9
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

After taking office in January, Carroll County Sheriff Tony Burns realized the county's explosives detection (bomb-sniffing) K-9 was not being utilized to full potential. He made the decision to retire that dog, which leaves just one K-9 unit, the narcotics detection (drug sniffing) dog with handler Deputy Mike Thomas.

Thomas is assigned to the day shift with his dog. According to Burns, the dog suffered a broken foot while tracking approximately 18 months ago and is no longer able to provide tracking services.

However, Burns is convinced there is a place for a second narcotics detection K-9 which is cross-trained to track those who flee or who are lost in the community.

Burns announced he is on the scent for a new dog in a solicitation letter for donations sent to local organizations, businesses and individuals in April. A new dog will cost $12,000.

"There is too much work for one dog and one handler," Burns said. "A dog is just another tool for law enforcement to use. I'd like to have the new dog by mid-to-late summer."

Burns said he has $4,200 to fund two dogs in his budget. He said the county pays the handler for dog food and is responsible for veterinary bills and provides a kennel and a vehicle for the animal. Equipment from the retired dog will be utilized as much as possible Burns said.

The new dog and handler, Tony Liggett, would work nights after undergoing fiveweek handler/dog training. The training will take place at the kennel operation where the dog is purchased.

"We would like to make the community drug-free," Liggett said. "There are a lot of other crimes associated with drugs and alcohol."

A 1990 Delphi Community High School graduate, Liggett is the resident drug recognition expert (DRE) for the county.

"A cross-trained dog serves many aspects of the county," Liggett concluded.

Donations can be made to the Carroll County K-9 Fund, 310 W. Main St., Delphi, attention Deputy Tony Liggett. Both Liggett and Burns can be reached at the sheriff's office at (765) 564-2413 for questions and information about the K-9 program.