Contrary to public belief, not all police dogs are German Shepherds. They can be any breed, like Cottage Grove’s Police Department’s Narcotics K9, Kimber, a beautiful and skilled five-year-old black Labrador Retriever.
Drug detection dogs cost between $4000-$7000, but luckily,
for our city’s budget, Kimber is the offspring of our community’s first narcotic canine. Her extensive training serves the public by detecting the subtle odors of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. Most dogs in her paws-ition work 8–10 years before retiring.
“Narcotics dogs are a valuable asset,” said her proud partner, Corporal David Burgin, “in aiding officers, during search warrants for narcotics, or after officers have searched a location without successfully
uncovering any drugs.”
The dogs highly toned “sniffers” detect paw-tential odors emanating from “secret” locations exposing hidden narcotics. Kimber is rewarded for locating them with her favorite toy.
“When an officer encounters a vehicle that may contain narcotics,” adds Corporal Burgin, “a detection K9 sniffs the vehicle’s exterior seams, known as a ‘free air sniff’. Once the K9 alerts to a drug’s presence, then the officer has legal cause to
search the vehicle.”
Kimber’s sensitive skills allow officers to gain entry into vehicles, offices, and homes based on her alerts, resulting in the successful seizure of illicit drugs and currency, that may otherwise not have been located.
Kimber lives for the “thrill of the hunt” as she helps rid our city of poisonous drugs that destroy our community members’ lives, and her impressive and scary bark commands
attention!
“As a police officer, father and human,” said Corporal Burgin, “I take it personally when this poison steals our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children from us. Seeing its devastating results, first hand, fuels my passion for bringing drug sellers to justice.”
Corporal Burgin and his canine also engage in public demonstrations illustrating his dog’s special abilities.
“Kimber is the star of the
show,” proudly said Corporal Burgan, “and the events help the public understand what our specialized police team is doing.”
As partners against crime, they had to attend 200 hours of training in a course that only passes those with a 100% score through the Oregon Police K9 Association. Their monthly homework, a requirement of their job, is an additional 16 hours of training based on current law, plus yearly certification with California’s Narcotics K9
Association.
“A great deal of work, training, studying and attention goes into being responsible for a narcotics detection dog,” adds Corporal Burgin, “Luckily, Kimber and I enjoy working as a team and we have developed a rare telepathic communication after our focused time together.
Also, it is wonderful having a partner that is always happy, and happy to see you. As a police officer we see many difficult or inhumane things. Kimber’s bright
spirit lights up our officers, even on our darkest day.”
It is not only the officers’ moods that Kimber touches. She loves lifting peoples’ hearts with her best "puppy dog" look. Children flock to her and people who are apprehensive about approaching a police officer, will more easily approach an officer with a dog. In hard cases, where children are involved, Kimber disarms their fears, as she accepts their pats and hugs.
At home, Kimber is
family,” said Corporal Burgin, “and she acts like any goofy family dog making us laugh doing silly things. She loves her toys and shamelessly does just about anything for one. Occasionally, while hanging out with us, she suddenly superman-leaps onto our kitchen counter and starts searching. I don’t know if she is bored or just practicing her skills for additional treats!”
When Corporal Burgin pulls out Kimber's “work” harness,’” she barks with excitement and
joyfully wags her tail because she knows that its time to go to work with her best buddy. It is obvious to all that this team was made for each other.
Note: Cottage Grove Police Department has two dog teams. Kimber, who is our Narcotic Detection Dog, and Corporal Joyce's Patrol Dog, Torq. K-9's have partnered with our officers for 19 years. Torq will be featured in a future Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales.
