January 21 Meeting Notes

Speaker: Officer Frank Durrance and Officer Niko, Smyrna Police Department
Officer Niko, a native of Czechoslovakia, "lives to work," according to his partner Officer Frank Durrance, a 20-year veteran of the Smyrna Police Department.

The two have been partners for three years -- ever since Durrance net Niko, the 90-pound German Shepherd in Miami and spent almost two months training with him there.

Since then, Niko has lived and worked with Durrance. At home, he's a family pet, but when Durrance puts on his uniform, Niko gets excited, knowing that he's heading out on patrol.

What is in a typical work day for the duo? Niko is trained in narcotics and will signal an alert for cocaine, ice, heroine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. (In a demonstration after Durrance's speech, Niko failed to turn up an narcotics at the American Legion Hall.) Although a friendly dog, Niko is also trained to apprehend or detain individuals and will "bite on command."

When the two are not on a particular job, a day may include training to put Niko in an obedience, you've got a good dog," Durrance says. The human officer gives commands to his canine partner in Czechoslovakian.

The two patrol in the police vehicle that has a back seat cage for Niko. Niko also has his own bullet proof vest.

Niko is great support for the uniform division. "It's amazing what he can do," Durrance says, noting that when a person is irate, Niko's presence has a way of changing the person's attitude.

Or, when a group fails to disperse at Durrance's command, a few words of "K-9onics" from Niko often motivate the crowd to move along. "One dog can do the work of three officers in a big crowd," Durrance explains.

At night, Niko has the advantage over Durrance because the canine has better night vision.

During the past year, Niko helped locate 60 pounds of nethamphetamine at an apartment complex, as well as a stash of marijuana and $8,000-$9,000 in cash.

Durrance tells a humorous story associated with Niko's busts. It seems suspects who were packaging drugs left cocaine residue on the paper towelds, and Niko started scratching (which is how he indicates that he's discovered drugs). At that time, he tore into (and tore up) a roll of paper towels. Later, when he found a multi-roll plastic package of toilet paper, he started tearing into the package. To no one's surprise, packages of marijuana, which had been stuffed into the rolls, came flying out. According to Durrance, the moral of the story is "trust your dog." (However, the only catch is that in Niko's mind toilet paper rolls continue to be associated with drugs.)

Niko is the only dog on Smyrna's police force, and as long as he can track and jump he'll remain on the force. Although he cost about $50,000, plus food, care, and veterinary bills, he could more than pay for himself if the city were to get a big drug payload.

Super Bowl Party Set for February 6
Come and join the fun at the annual Super Bowl Party, which kicks off at 5 pm on February 6th at West Smyrna Swim and Tennis.

The cost is $12/person, with catering by Moe's Bring your own drink and a dessert to share. And don't forget your blender of margaritas! There will be a prize for the best margaritas. Glasses and ice will be provided.