The
Windham County Sheriff's Department, for the first
time in all of its history, has instituted a Canine
Unit, beginning in 2005. Deputy 1st Class Jason
O'Brian and his 5 year old sidekick German Shepherd,
Yako, attended the Vermont Police Academy's sixteen
week 26th Basic Patrol School in Pittsford VT.
Deputy O'Brian attended the Vermont Police Academy's
78th Basic Full-Time Police Academy and has been
a Deputy since March of 2003. Yako was acquired
by Deputy O'Brian in 2005 from Canine
Specialty Servicesof
Monkton, VT when he was four years old. They trained
together during the 16 week school receiving certifications
in officer protection, human tracking, building
searches and evidence recovery. Yako and Deputy
O'Brian have completed the six week Canine Drug
Detection School in the Winter/Spring of 2007
at the .
The foundation of the school is to teach basic
and tactical canine obedience. Deputy O'Brian
and Yako have also attended the Extreme
K9 Tracking seminar at the Vermont Police
Academy in August of 2005. Both Deputy O'Brian
and Yako have participated in the Vermont
Police Canine Association's Iron Dog competitions
in 2005 and 2006.
Yako is an energetic
full-growncanine who loves to play with
tennis balls. He is fond of meeting children as
well as adults. Yako and Deputy O'Brian have made
appearances at the River Valley Credit Union's
Kids Fair in Brattleboro, Whitingham Dog Days,
the Camp Leadership Challenge and at the Athens
Elementary School.
Questions
Answered
Q: Are all working
dogs males? A: No. Dogs of both genders and various
breeds are used in Vermont law enforcement.
Q: What specialties are
available to Vermont canines?
A: Vermont currently offers certifications in
drug detection, bomb detection and patrol.
Q: How many years can
a dog be employed by a law enforcement agency
in Vermont?
A: While there is no set age, most dogs will work
until they are approximately ten to eleven (human
years).
Q: Does the canine live
with the handler?
A: Yes. Vermont Police Dogs are integrated into
the officer's family life and will eventually
retire, remaining in the handler's care.
Q: Are you and Yako available
to perform demonstrations for our group/organization?
A: Yes. Contact Deputy O'Brian with your name
and phone number via the Windham County Sheriff's
Department's Dispatch or on his email address
listed above.
Q: Did Deputy O'Brian train
Yako?
A: Yes. Both Deputy O'Brian and Yako attended
the Vermont Police Academy's Full-time Basic Patrol
Dog School in 2005.
Q: Can police dogs track
pets?
A: No. Police dogs are only certified to track
humans.
Q: Is there anything I
can do to help with Yako's care?
A: A working dog, such as Yako requires a high
level of care. Donations of the following are
very beneficial to offset the costs:
Agway 26 or Royal Canin German Shepherd 24 dog
food
Tennis balls (new or used)
A ballistic vest
An electric collar
If you are able to provide any of these items
or are able to obtain grants for such necessities,
please contact Deputy O'Brian at via our Dispatch
or his email listed above.
The
Windham County Sheriff's Department, for the first
time in all of its history, has instituted a Canine
Unit, beginning in 2005. Deputy 1st Class Jason
O'Brian and his 5 year old sidekick German Shepherd,
Yako, attended the Vermont Police Academy's sixteen
week 26th Basic Patrol School in Pittsford VT.
of
Monkton, VT when he was four years old. They trained
together during the 16 week school receiving certifications
in officer protection, human tracking, building
searches and evidence recovery. Yako and Deputy
O'Brian have completed the six week Canine Drug
Detection School in the Winter/Spring of 2007
at the .
tennis balls. He is fond of meeting children as
well as adults. Yako and Deputy O'Brian have made
appearances at the River Valley Credit Union's
Kids Fair in Brattleboro, Whitingham Dog Days,
the Camp Leadership Challenge and at the Athens
Elementary School. 