Making a difference

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to do “ride-alongs” with law enforcement. I quietly sat in the passenger seat and observed what the officer did during a shift. One of those times was in Gallipolis. It was a great experience to see what challenges local law enforcement face on a daily basis. The experience in Gallipolis was especially interesting because the officer worked with a K-9 unit.

Recently, Syracuse Chief Jeff Morris announced that a dog has been donated to the village. This brought back memories. I had the chance to talk with Chief Morris at the Meigs County Fair. He told me about the dog. He could see the clear need to have one in the area. He did not know my background or probably who I am, but I know how much we need a K-9 unit in Meigs County.

It is a special bond a K-9 cop (because they are considered cops just like their human partners) and the person who works with them. It involves training for both dog and human. It involves discipline. It involves a great commitment to always be ready when duty calls.

I remember watching K-9 check around a car which was suspected of having drugs. I have watched the interaction between students and police when they have come into classrooms for demonstrations. I have seen the difference these wonderful creations of God make.

We need this dog, Meigs County. We need this dog trained. We need it. We need it for our children. We need it for our grandchildren. We need it for our fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, sisters, mothers, wives and daughters that put on the uniform with that little metal badge as they go out to protect and serve us everyday. We need this dog for our schools. Our teachers, principals and superintendents need this as they battle the affliction of drugs upon our youth. We need this dog.

Many times I have stated we need to stand up for change. Many times I have said we need to not keep silent while evil triumphs. Many times I have said we need make a difference. Well, this is one of those moments.

As reported in The Daily Sentinel, Chief Morris is looking for funding to get the K-9 unit going. According to the article by Sarah Hawley, the dog would be “trained in the detection of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.”

Well, let’s make a difference, even if it is five dollars, do something! Skip a cup of coffee or a milkshake, but get the word out and get moving on this! I know times are tough. Think about how tough it is for law enforcement when they know something is up, but they can not do anything about it. That is the moment they will be able to call in the K-9 unit. It is the extra help our men and women in blue need! Get behind it and help make a real difference in our area! If nothing else share this information with a friend that may be able to help! Anything, but let us quit complaining about the problems and get behind the solutions! God did not intend for us to be complainers of the Word or in life, but doers!

Donations are being accepted at Home National Bank. Just tell them it is for the “Syracuse Police Department K-9 Fund” and the donations will be accepted at all Home National Bank locations. If you want to mail it in send it to: P.O. Box 457, Racine, Ohio 45771.

Seriously, let us stop complaining and do something. The drugs are not going to go away on their on. Stand up and be counted for this worthy cause and let our actions speak of living a life of Grace Out Loud!

Carrie Wolfe

Racine, Ohio