The Shadow
The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office recently added a new K-9 to its department of dedicated men and women.
Czako is an 18-month-old German shepherd who is trained in narcotics detection, suspect apprehension and tracking suspects or missing persons.
Czako was purchased with 100 percent donated funds from area businesses and citizens. Lt. Richard Fridley coordinated the project and approached area businesses and citizens asking for their support.
Lt. Fridley and his wife, Ashley, volunteered many hours working from their home corresponding with these businesses and also donated the postage used for the project.
Cpl. Chad Wickline was selected to be Czako’s handler.
Czako received 10 weeks of training from Highland K-9 in North Carolina. Cpl. Wickline then spent four weeks training with Czako prior to receiving his certification.
Conrock provided the concrete for Czako’s kennel. Hayne Yarborough provided the labor to finish the concrete, and Cpl. Bobby Gillespie donated the dog house.
“Without the support of local businesses and citizens, this project would have been impossible,” Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall said. “We are very fortunate to have such generous and caring business owners and citizens.”
Sheriff Hall and his department thanked those contributing to the K-9 program.
They included: MeadWestvaco; Covington Truck Shop; Wilson, Updike, Nicely Attorneys at Law; Ralph F. Jackson, attorney; Boiling Springs Ruritan Club; Western Sizzlin; Dewey’s Automotive; Jenfab, Inc.; Wright Stop; Reds Construction; Edward Stein; Town of Iron Gate; Wolfe’s Body Shop and Towing Inc.; Tri-County Furniture; Clifton Tire and Auto Service, Inc.; Clifton Forge Volunteer Fire Department.
H.P. Does; Hematite Grocery; VFW Post 1033; WECCU Credit Union; V.I.P. Nails; Krishna Sankar; Clifton Middle School; Tongs China House; Bartley’s Meat Market; Asthma Allergy and Imm. Pllc.; Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; Petticoat Junction; Covington Rescue Squad; Dominion Virginia Power; Conrock; Hayne Yarborough; David Wickline and Travis Mullins.
