Billings K-9 Unit

Tools

By Brenda Bassett

Story Published: Sep 8, 2010 at 5:59 AM MST

Story Updated: Sep 8, 2010 at 1:53 PM MST

BILLINGS - They're called "man's best friend," but the dogs on the Billings K-9 Unit bring new meaning to that title.

The dogs are important members of the Billings Police Department, all certified police dogs, they do things officers can't. "We build up their drive so high to do the kinds of things that we need them to do that some of them really don't know how to be dogs," said Billings Police Officer Rob Vickery.

These dogs are trained to find four different kinds of narcotics; meth, marijuana, cocaine and heroine, but it's really all a game and all they want is their toy. It's a chunk of rubber tubing, but it's the centerpiece for all the training. If the dogs find a stash or track a suspect, they get to play with their favorite toy.

The relationship between the officer and the dog gets stronger, the longer they work together. "You spend more times with these dogs than your do your family, so they become a part of you," said Sgt. Clyde Reid.

Whether it's during one of their weekly training session or when they're at home, the handler puts in long hours to get his dog up to speed. Officer Vickery started his K-9 training six years ago, his first dog Bo has since retired. Vickery said Bo is adjusting well to life at home after being on the streets for six years. "He sits on the couch most of the time," said Vickery.

Bo was forced to retire early due to a degenerative eye disease, but the department recently added a new member, Cuff. "In May we purchased a new dog, we trained it here and we certified with him at the end of July, so he's been working the street for about a month," said Vickery. But in that short month, Cuff is already becoming a vital member on the Billing police force.

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