BEAVER POLICE Department acquires new dog

The department bought the dog with money confiscated in drug cases.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NORTH LIMA -- There's a new member of the Beaver Township Police Department patrolling the area.
Kaz, the township's recently acquired canine, has been partnered with Police Officer Dan Lewis. And so far, the team has assisted in several drug-related arrests in the township.
"[Kaz] is definitely an asset," said Police Chief Carl Frost. "And well worth the investment."
The 20-month-old German shepherd from Holland is the second police dog to sit beside Lewis. He joined the force about a month ago, replacing Barkley, the township's first K-9. Barkley was forced to retire several months ago because of a work-related injury.
"I think people are used to seeing Officer Lewis with a canine," Frost said. So I think the novelty has worn off a little bit. But the general consensus from residents is that they wanted to keep a dog on the force. They liked having the first dog and wanted us to replace him."
Little taxpayer cost
The township was able to meet the task with minimal financial strain to taxpayers. The police department used money confiscated in drug raids and various drug-related arrests to buy the new dog. The $12,000 cost included the dog, training for the dog and Lewis and lodging for both during the training at a kennel in Freemont, Ohio.
Frost said the township is also looking to replace its K-9 vehicle with a new car for Lewis and Kaz to use.
"The team is put to good use," Frost said. "We've done a lot of good work with the K-9 team in the past and I think we'll accomplish a lot with this dog."