Gogebic County Sheriff's Office welcomes new K-9 deputy

BESSEMER - A new K-9 deputy was sworn in last week by Gogebic County Sheriff Ross Solberg, and - doggone it - nobody could stop smiling.

Named Debwe, the yellow Labrador sat briefly on a chair in front of the sheriff while the dog's handler, Deputy Cody Smith, repeated the vow for his canine buddy.

The men then slipped onto the dog's neck a custom collar denoting his K-9 status in the Sheriff's Office.

The good-natured creature quickly bored with the pageantry and wandered off to collect as many pets as possible from county officials in the Nov. 29 meeting of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners at the courthouse.

"I got the dog in the middle of August, and we've been together since then," said Smith in a prior interview with The Globe. "He rides with me all the time. If I'm working, he's working with me."

The dog, now 2 1/2 years old, was certified on Oct. 24 by the National Police Canine Association after he and Smith underwent 10 weeks of training at sites in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

According to Smith, their drills included going to places such as the Mall of America, a casino, and an airport - sites with "lots of people, lots of distractions."

Smith added that the dog also received earlier training in the Czech Republic, from where he was procured.

He said that Debwe is certified to search for heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.

The dog also is capable of searching for articles or missing individuals, which could include anyone from a child to a hunter to a person with dementia or a developmental disability.

"He's got a very good nose and he does not quit," said Smith. "He has a very high drive."

Smith emphasized that he never would allow Debwe to track "anybody violent" because the dog is not trained to defend himself or the officer. However, other law enforcement dogs in Michigan can be tapped for those purposes.

Debwe was named by students of the Watersmeet Township School. The Anishinaabe word means "to seek the truth" or "to speak the truth."

In expressing thanks, Board Chairman James Lorenson included acknowledgment of Smith's family, where Debwe resides in off-duty hours.

"It's important that my wife and kids buy into it," said Smith, who also has a black Labrador named Piper, who is pals with Debwe.

"He goes home with me at the end of my shift," said Smith regarding Debwe. He added cheerfully, "We go to bed."