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Sheriff's Drug Dog Deputy Gunner

Canine Unit

An addition to the Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office is our K-9 Unit comprised of Deputy Chris Killey and our golden lab Gunner.  Although this dog looks like your neighbor’s pet, he is highly trained in drug detection. He is able to respond to virtually any situation and serves on the front line of our drug enforcement efforts.

 


brown bulletpointHave You Met Deputy Gunner?

Deputy Killey and Gunner pose in front of their squad car

 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office canine program became active on November 10, 2009 with drug detection canine Gunner hitting the streets with handler Deputy Christopher Killey. Both Gunner and Deputy Killey have completed extensive training in canine handling and drug detection at Drexler School for Dogs located in Elkhardt, Indiana.

 

Gunner yawning

In addition to the above case work, Gunner has also assisted in school/locker searches at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, West Bend School District, Washington County Youth Treatment Center, Lutheran Social Services Tri-Center Academy, and the Washington County Jail. Gunner also assists the Washington County Multi Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Group and other law enforcement agencies at the scene of drug related investigations.  Gunner sitting at attention

 

This dog is totally dedicated to drug detection. He is not used for any other searches or crimes. This is better for the training and health of a service dog. The dog stays with Deputy Killey 24/7 and has ongoing training and play sessions throughout his day.

Even our trained service dog, Gunner, needs a break now and then. Deputy Killey works with Gunner to give him the breaks and exercise he needs to stay fit and alert.

Activities 2009 - 2012

Since November of 2009-December 2012 the use of Canine Gunner has resulted in the seizure of over $13,000 in drug related cash. This does not include several additional thousands of dollars of buy money that has been easily recovered during targeted interdiction arrests after suspects were stopped leaving the scene of undercover drug buy operations.

Highlights 2011-2012

11-6096: Assisted Hartford PD on a traffic stop.  Canine Gunner alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the vehicle.  A search resulted in 20.0g of Cocaine Base (Crack) and 16 narcotic pills.  Without the use of Canine Gunner this Crack Cocaine and narcotic pills would not have been located.

11-22796: Assisted Deputy Broker on a traffic stop for a seatbelt violation.  The vehicle occupants displayed exceptional nervous behavior and there was confidential information that the individuals may be involved in drug sales.  I responded from my residence.  Canine Gunner alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the driver's door seam.  A search revealed 18.75g Marijuana and 35 hits/doses of Lysergic Acid Dyethlamide "LSD."  Without the use of Canine Gunner these dangerous drugs would not have been located.  

12-24531: Assisted Germantown PD Officer Schleis on a traffic stop for a defective tail lamp.  I was in the area and observed Officer Schleis stop the vehicle.  The vehicle occupants displayed exceptionally nervous behavior and were removed from the vehicle.  Canine Gunner alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the driver’s door handle.  A search resulted in a loaded gun pushed between the seat cushions.  The driver was arrested and found to be concealing approximately 5.0g of Heroin on his body that was to be cut up/diluted and sold in the Antioch Wisconsin area.  During subsequent interviews the Driver admitted that he and his passenger had handled and transported various quantities of Heroin in the vehicle over the preceding several day period of time as they participated in drug activity as far away as Fort Wayne Indiana and the Chicago Illinois area.  This incident served as a reminder for area officers to be ever vigilant and safety conscious during traffic stops.

12-26547: Assisted West Bend PD / MJDEG at scene of a traffic stop.  Canine Gunner alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the front and rear driver side door seams and the trunk seam.  A search resulted in Marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and $2,964.00 in drug related cash.  During this traffic stop it was learned that a passenger had his vehicle parked in a nearby parking lot.  Canine Gunner alerted to the passenger door seam of that additional vehicle which resulted in the seizure of additional Marijuana and $1049.00 of drug related cash.  That's $4013.00 of drug related cash seized in one traffic stop investigation.    

12-39491:  Assisted Jackson PD Officer Brinks on a traffic stop for suspended registration and obstructed drivers view (personal items hanging from the rear view mirror).  Canine Gunner alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the drivers door seam and trunk seam.  A search resulted in the discovery of 30 narcotic pills in the glove compartment.  In the trunk a drug scale with marijuana residue, a marijuana pipe, and snorting straw for crushed narcotic pills were found hidden among various personal items and clothing.  Without the use of Canine Gunner these drugs would not have been located.

 

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