Canine

Canine

K9 Viper and K9 Handler T. Skinner


	The Norwalk Police Department K-9 unit was started in 2004 by Officer Dave Ditz and several donations from area businesses for the purchase of K-9 Fazo. Through the course of Fazo's career he went through rigorous training with two different handlers as well as his weekly training. Officer Ditz was on military deployment on 2 separate occasions and the K-9 duties were handed over to Officer Dave Pigman. In the fall of 2008 K-9 Fazo retired.

	In the fall of 2008 Officer Timothy Skinner and K-9 Viper were added to the Norwalk Police Department K-9 unit. K-9 Viper was bred at North Coast K-9 in Monroeville, Ohio. Nick and Tammy Blackford generously contribute countless hours of training for K-9 Viper. North Coast K-9 works closely with numerous law enforcement agencies. Officer Skinner and Viper are trained to detect the most common narcotics, track suspects, article and building searches and handler protection.

	The K-9 unit has also assisted with school searches, service of search warrants, narcotic sweeps of correctional facilities and assisting local police departments. The K-9 unit has assisted the Ohio State Highway Patrol Norwalk Post, Huron County Sheriff's Office, Monroeville PD, Wakeman PD, Huron PD, Erie County Sheriff's Office and the City of Norwalk.

	K-9 Viper interacts with children during demonstrations at local elementary and middle schools. They also complete demonstrations for city functions and numerous civic organizations.

	Officer Skinner takes K-9 Viper home at the end of his shift and the dog becomes part of the family. In addition to scheduled shifts, K-9 Viper is on call 24 hours a day and is ready to respond to any call. In the fall of 2010 Officer Skinner and K-9 Viper will be a part of the Norwalk Police Department Special Response Team.