Findlay K9s give demonstration

FINDLAY — Findlay police K9 Asa made one of his first introductions to the community as the newest member of the "bark-otics" enforcement division during a demonstration Friday afternoon at Senior Towers Apartments, alongside handler Officer Eric Lehman, veteran "paw-ficer" Axel and handler Officer Paul Frey. Axel has been the "scent-er" of several major busts since being brought to the U.S from Germany in late 2024 and is eager to show the rookie the ropes and leashes. Asa, born in the Czech Republic, began his "pawtrol" in recent weeks. Asa replaces retired K9 Deke who has been a loyal companion to justice since 2017. Officers say the only suspects Deke is chasing in his retirement are squirrels. During the demonstration, officers explained the K9s are trained to detect narcotics, locate evidence and track suspects who have attempted to "flea" the scene. Using highly-trained noses, the dogs methodically search vehicles, rooms and open areas for hidden items. Once the dogs locate what they are searching for, they alert officers by sitting and staying beside the item and occasionally barking to let handlers know the search is over. After a successful search, the four-legged crime fighters are rewarded with their favorite toys and are praised for another job well "sniffed." Just as law enforcement gets paid for their work, Asa and Axel must also be paid with squeaky bonuses and pets. Police say Asa is quickly adjusting to life in the department and is eager to continue to serve the community alongside Axel, whose experience has helped keep the department ahead of crime. Residents attending the demonstration watched as the dogs sprinted through exercises with laser focus, showcasing the detection skills and discipline that help officers safely recover narcotics, locate suspects and protect officers in dangerous situations. All furry puns aside, the Findlay Police K9 units are tasked with both detection and patrol functions and Asa is certain to be a great addition to that effort across the county. If early impressions are any indication, the department's "bark-otics" unit remains firmly on the scent. As for anyone attempting to thwart justice, snitches get scritches.