New Sheriff K-9 Adapting to Armstrong County
Sheriff Deputy Theresa Gipson and her new K-9 partner, “Blak” returned to Armstrong County last week.
by Jonathan Weaver
Armstrong County’s newest K-9 has already made a presence in the Armstrong County Courthouse:
The one-and-one-half year old German shepherd named “Blak” and handler, Sheriff Deputy Theresa Gipson, returned from six weeks of training at Shallow Creek Kennels (in Sharpsville, Mercer County) May 2.
Deputy Gipson said 17 other handlers from several states – such as Wisconsin, Missouri and Tennessee - graduated with her at the end of April. Deputy Gipson was one of two trainees from Pennsylvania.
“(Training) was rough – not what I was expecting, but we got through it,” Deputy Gipson said. “The hardest part was probably (that) you got to have your voice command. It’s all about tones with the dogs, and if you don’t have the right tones with the dogs, he’s just not going to listen to you. A lot more detailed things than I thought there would be.
“It took about two weeks before we started clicking and working things out, but we figured it out and now we’re a pretty good team.”
County Sheriff Bill Rupert confirmed “Blak” has been used on a few warrants already this month and is ready to go this week.
“He was a great use this week in security and preparation for the trial (of Armstrong County Jail escapee Robert Crissman),” Sheriff Rupert said. “He’s officially working.”
Deputy Gipson explained “Blak” helped serve a probation warrant early last week, assisted the Butler County Sheriff K-9 during a school locker search, received requests to attend community events and watches the courthouse front entry regularly.
“He does pay attention - anytime someone comes through that door or it’s someone he doesn’t recognize, he’ll go and sniff and see what’s going on. He’s always alert.
“(Blak has) done really well – he loves the people in the courthouse,” Deputy Gipson added. “He loves it here. He loves all the attention.”
Deputy Gipson and “Blak” will continue narcotics, tracking and patrol training with Butler County’s K-9 at least 16 hours per month.
A new vehicle –with a cage, emergency door release and temperature alarm - also was available Friday.
Armstrong County Court House, Local News | jweaver May 11, 2016
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