K-9 Unit Joins McConnelsville Police Force

McConnelsville was formally introduced to the newest addition to the police department today.

Patrolman Victor Weyant brought the new K-9 Officer Samo to visit with the local community at Shrivers Pharmacy. The pharmacy joined the community in their efforts to raise money to purchase the K-9, and Owner John Coler said he believes the pup will help the local department.

“In Ohio, we’ve been seeing it for a while now,” said Coler. “There’s just a, we see it on the pharmacy side, a problem with abuse of heroin, methamphetamine, and even prescription drugs and you know we do what we can do on our side as pharmacies but at the same time we want law enforcement to have the best resources they can to make this community, to keep it a great place to live.”

Samo took some time to show off his skills by searching for drug odors on a set up car and of course, everyone gathered to give the new officer a pat on the back to welcome him to town.

“Samo has been doing excellent out on the street,” said Weyant. “Everyone seems to really like him. He’s just fitting in perfectly. ”

Samo will be tracking, sniffing, and aiding in pursuits with the police department.