By Margie DiGiovanni
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Cpl. Tim Thornton, his K-9 Partner Ivo, and Eclectic Police Chief Robert Head.
ECLECTIC – Eclectic Police Corporal Tim Thornton and Ivo, his K-9 partner, stepped up to the plate recently and placed in the top three of the Narcotics Competition held by Central Alabama Police K-9 Association. CAPK9 trains police dogs as well as privately owned dogs in obedience.
Given initial training by Brad Buth of Missouri, Ivo came to Sweet Davis, the owner of CAPK9 for scent training. A handsome Dutch shepherd, Ivo proved to be a top dog in learning his trade based on his performance at his last recertification and the following competition.
Cpl. Thornton spoke with pride of his canine partner, citing the dog’s devotion in one particular instance. Normally, when leaving the police vehicle to approach a vehicle or person, he leaves the window down and the separator open between the front seat and where Ivo rests on the back seat. Should there be an altercation, his trusted companion comes to his aid. On one occasion, the window was not rolled down. As it turned out, the person he stopped turned on the officer. Unable to get out, Ivo nearly tore the front seat up in his efforts to get to his partner. The two have a very strong, and necessary bond.
The competition for scent dogs is no easy process, with the obstacles put in their path. In some competitions, the officers direct the dogs to areas they must search. In others, the dogs must find hidden drugs on their own.
On the first day, the competitors went into a large warehouse where they found approximately 50 pieces of luggage scattered around. After the dogs searched and found drugs, Ivo produced three finds. At the end of the day, officer and canine had 60 points in their favor. The second day brought a different, tougher trial.
A 20’ x 20’ room at Jefferson State Community College, held toys and food scattered all around. As difficult as it might be for a dog to ignore those, the real trial came with the animals placed in cages strategically around the room. One such animal was a female dog in heat. Another cage held a rooster and still another baby kittens.
Ivo went to the caged dog and kittens. Officer Tim was not certain if the dog being in heat caught Ivo’s attention instead of narcotics. He did not call it nor when Ivo moved to the kittens. As it turned out, both had drugs hidden with them. That day, Ivo showed interest on three. Cpl. Thornton called one. The corporal learned to trust his canine partner more, which is what good police work entails.
Looking at Ivo, he seems friendly, and he often can be, IF his partner lets him know all is well. The two visit schools to introduce children to the Police Department and the Canine Program. Children are allowed, one at a time, to pet Ivo. However, no one, child or adult, should ever approach a police K-9 dog with the intention of giving it pats or hugs.
Does Ivo do other jobs for the police department? No, he is trained as a scent dog and that is what he does. He looks for narcotics when the occasion arises and, as the competition showed, he does his job well.
Cpl. Thornton walked away with a new shotgun. Ivo left knowing he competed well. Chief Robert Head got bragging rights on his officers. And the Eclectic Community rests easier knowing these police officers are on the job.
