Photo Provided Woodsfield Police Department K-9 Tito and handler Officer Jacob McNerney will soon be patrolling the village once their training is complete early next month.

WOODSFIELD — To assist in combating the growing drug activity in the village, the Woodsfield Police Department will soon welcome a new addition to its squad — K-9 Tito.

Chief Corey Jones said the 1-year-old Dutch Shepherd has joined the force to help combat the drug epidemic that is plaguing the community. He said criminals are becoming smarter with the ways they transport and sell illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and illegal prescription drugs that continue to enter the community daily. He said officers have seen a “significant increase” in illegal substances in the village over the past year.

“I would say in the calendar year of 2021 it has significantly increased in our community, especially with methamphetamine – it’s the most prevalent narcotic that we’re seeing,” he said. “It’s everywhere, but we weren’t used to really dealing with that around here. There’s been a huge influx of that in the past year.”

The village purchased Tito earlier this month for $13,500, which includes the cost of training. Tito and handler Officer Jacob McNerney are currently attending their training at Alpha Pack K9 Training Center in New Springfield, Ohio. They are set to graduate April 8.

“It’s a huge commitment for the department and the officer, but we found that in Officer McNerney, that’s why he was chosen for the position,” Jones said.

Jones said Tito is a dual-purpose patrol K-9 who is trained in narcotics detection and criminal apprehension. Tito will assist in track and search operations and officer safety, as well as public relations events.

“Obviously having a K-9 with your department is a great tool to have in your arsenal so you have more opportunities to find illegal narcotics in your community, whether it be through traffic stops or many other situations,” he said.

The village has been without a K-9 program since its former handler transferred departments, taking the dog with him, in November 2020.

“The village made the decision to release the dog to him upon his release of employment,” Jones said.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has lent its assistance to the department while the village has been without a K-9. Jones said he is grateful for the sheriff’s office allowing them to utilize their program, but it will be a relief to have their own dog.

Although Jones believes the addition is much needed, it comes at a cost. Jones said the department is asking for the community’s assistance to raise funds to help offset some of the costs to maintain the new K-9 program. These costs include training, food, veterinarian bills, equipment, training aids and more.

“There’s a lot of costs associated with maintaining the program, so anything at all helps,” he said.

The village of Woodsfield has established a K-9 fund to hold the money needed to support the program. Those interested in helping can do so by making a tax-deductible donation, Jones said. The department is also planning a chicken barbecue fundraiser set for 4-7 p.m. June 11 at the Woodsfield Fire Station.