Belmont County presents dog tags, swears in K-9 deputies

ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- The Belmont County auditor, the sheriff's department and Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato met Tuesday to award the first dog registration tag of 2018 to some of the county's four-legged employees.

Auditor Roger Conroy presented K-9 handler Deputy Jason Schwarck and his partner, Copper -- a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever -- with the first dog tag of 2018. Conroy said that the honorary presentation of the first tag is always a tough decision, as everyone believes that their dog is the best and deserves the honor of being designated No. 1. Conroy said his office decided to award the tag to the K-9 officers of the sheriff's department this year in honor of the hard work they do for the entire community.

"I thought it would be nice to give them some recognition," Conroy said.

After Copper received his tag, he and fellow K-9 deputy Hyra -- a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois -- both were sworn in to the department again by Fregiato, with their handlers Schwarck and Brian Carpenter, respectively, speaking for them. The two K-9s are not novices to the department; Schwarck and Copper have been partnered for two and a half years, and Carpenter and Hyra have been together for just under two years. Both dogs are trained to track down suspects or missing persons, as well as to sniff out drugs. Fregiato spoke highly of the two dogs, noting they are actual sworn deputies of the department and work hard to protect the residents of the county.

"As you know, the K-9 unit of the Belmont County Sheriff's Office does an absolutely super job at law enforcement, and we appreciate everything they do every single day," Fregiato said.

The deputies who handle the dogs said their jobs are rewarding, and that they enjoy working closely alongside their partners. Carpenter said it is "exciting" work and noted Hyra is very loyal to him, making for a great working relationship. Schwarck agreed, saying it's a good feeling to work alongside Copper and to know the K-9 always has his back.

"I love it," he said. "It's great having a companion every day when you go to work and having someone to back you up."

Sheriff Dave Lucas thanked the judge and auditor for the recognition, which he feels is well deserved for his deputies. Lucas said the department is looking forward to soon getting a third K-9 deputy -- a Dutch shepherd named Tuko is in training and soon will be ready to begin his tenure with department. Tuko is being provided to the department to work as an explosives detection dog, as well as being trained in tracking and suspect apprehension.

Lucas said Tuko is being trained and provided to the county by the federal Department of Homeland Security, which is covering all the costs of training and accompanying equipment; all the sheriff's department has to provide is the vehicle for Tuko and his handler, deputy Chad Kulpa. Lucas is proud of his K-9 program and looks forward to expanding the capabilities of his department with Tuko.

"They have done an exceptional job," Lucas said, speaking of Copper and Hyra. "The K-9s are exceptional officers and have done an excellent job for our office."