By Nate Smith, Staff Writer
The newest member of the city’s police force was introduced at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Tofik, the city’s new K-9 member, met the council. A German shepherd from Poland, Tofik joined the force in July.
Patrolman Darin Clifton, Tofik’s partner and handler, said he and the K-9 have been training since they got together in May. Recently, they finished training in Elkhart.
“He’s just two. He’s got a little play in him,” Clifton. “He’s trained for a dual purpose in narcotic and apprehension work.”
Tofik is also trained, Clifton said, in tracking. Just out of school and on the first day, he and Clifton had to help track a nursing home resident who went missing.
Clifton explained to the council that work in searching is actually fun to Tofik, according to the training. Once the K-9 has a scent from an article left behind, he will be able to track him.
“He’s settling in, getting used to his surroundings,” Clifton said.
Tofik replaces Blitz, who died in September 2008 of heart complications. The insurance settlement from Blitz’s death, about $10,500, paid for the purchase of Tofik and Clifton’s training. Tofik is the fifth K-9 that has served the city police department.
Dr. William Phillips of the Eastside Veterinary Clinic, gave Tofik a clean bill of health when he arrived from Poland and does checkups on the officer.
Clifton said Tofik could serve as long as eight years. The average length of service for German shepherds is six years.
“We train everyday,” Clifton said.
In other business:
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Mayor Larry Haag informed the council that the Waterworld of Washington will have a free “Back to School” bash all day Wednesday. Children from area schools will have free admission to the water park.
Also, Haag wanted to clarify one of the park’s fees. For a slide bracelet, it is $1 per entrance to the park, not for every time the slide is used. Once the bracelet is paid for, a person can use the slide multiple times per visit.
NOISE WARNING
The issue of excessive noise came to the council’s attention as Haag told the Board of Public Works and Safety that he is tired of loud exhaust from cars and motorcycles.
So much, he said the council will consider writing noise ordinances for the guilty offenders if it keeps up.
“It’s very unsafe out at the park and it’s unsafe out on the streets,” Haag said. “It’s a nuisance and this is not a threat but it will not be tolerated.”
Haag said later he hopes information will get out and keep the offenders a little quieter and no ordinances be written.
“We don’t want to impede anyone’s enjoyment but that loud exhaust is impeding quality of life,” Haag said.
