K-9 Chosen for Armstrong County Duty
Armstrong County’s dual-purpose K-9 “Blak” will be on duty this May with Deputy Theresa Gipson as his handler. Deputy Gipson and Sheriff Bill Rupert first met “Blak” at Shallow Creek Kennels in Mercer County yesterday. (submitted photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
Armstrong County’s first K-9 since 2006 will be on-patrol this May.
Sheriff Bill Rupert and Deputy Theresa Gipson yesterday traveled to Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville (Mercer County) and found Deputy Gipson’s new partner – a 1 ½ year old German shepherd named “Blak.”
The pair of County officials got to see “Blak” in training on tracking, but said while dominant, “Blak” was also chosen for Armstrong County due to his friendly temperament for around County officials and children.
In September, Sheriff Rupert reinforced that the dual-purpose K-9 would be a good tool for both municipal police departments to conduct narcotics investigations and in the classroom.
“They take that into consideration when they’re training the dogs and they find a dog that’s more personable, Deputy Gipson said.
“(Yesterday, ‘Blak’) was very excited - ready to work.”
Deputy Gipson –a former U.S. Army veterinary technician - will begin six weeks of training with “Blak” March 21.
“Blak” will reside with Deputy Gipson, her husband, Nick and their Pitbull Husky mix “Izzy” following her graduation from training in April.
Sheriff Rupert said County officials have raised about $53,000 since July – including putting a $10,000 deposit for ‘Blak’ in December.
A Ford Explorer has also been ordered from Ibis Tek in Butler County, and officials hope to have it before May.
Sheriff Rupert said the K-9 and the Ford Explorer made up about $45,000 of the contributed money, and that fundraisers will be held every year to maintain supplies and save up for another K-9 in seven years.
“I’m really impressed – I’m grateful to the community for everything they’ve done, the way everyone’s come together and just sent money left-and-right for this project,” Sheriff Rupert said. “Safe to say, we get $3-400 per week.”
In July, Sheriff Rupert’s goal was to collect about $40,000 in donations by May.
Kittanning Veterinary Hospital in East Franklin Township will give free healthcare to the K-9 and other businesses have contributed large sums for dog food.
The County’s last K-9 officer, “Gallahad” retired in 2006. “Gallahad” was handled by late Deputy Earl “Bud” Floyd.
A memorial golf outing for Floyd will continue this Summer, along with a car cruise during Labor Day Weekend.
Local News | jweaver March 9, 2016
By jorn jensen, March 9, 2016 @ 7:34 AM
This is a great step ahead for Armstrong County. Thank you, everyone that contributed and worked toward this goal. Thank you, Sheriff’s Department, for seeing and fulfilling this need.