Nose for narcotics: Security firm donates trained Labrador to Middletown

View larger image Middletown K-9 officer Dan Manili works with Trooper, his Labrador retriever, Tuesday in sniffing out narcotics inside the council chambers. Rich Cooley/Daily View larger image Trooper guides officer Dan Manili on Tuesday during training inside the Middletown council chambers. Rich Cooley/Daily View larger image Middletown K-9 officer Dan Manili pets Trooper, his Labrador retriever, after a training session inside the council chambers on Tuesday. Rich Cooley/Daily

By J.R. Williams - jrwilliams@nvdaily.com

MIDDLETOWN -- Much to the police chief's satisfaction, the town's newest officer is sitting down on the job.

His name is Trooper, and the trained, 3-year-old Labrador retriever can detect a multitude of illegal narcotics with superhuman -- or perhaps super-dog -- accuracy. Trooper was donated to the Middletown Police Department last weekend at no cost to the town.

"As soon as he got out of the car, everyone here sort of fell in love with him," Police Chief Phil Breeden said.

Winchester-based security services firm Golden Seal Enterprises donated Trooper to the department after his previous handler, an official at the company, decided he would be better suited elsewhere.

"They decided they would try to find a small department that couldn't otherwise afford a dog like this," Breeden said.

Middletown's first drug dog can detect marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, Ecstasy and heroin, and alerts the handler by sitting down when he sniffs out a drug. He's rewarded with affection and a green towel to bite and tug on.

During a demonstration of his abilities Tuesday, the friendly Lab had little trouble finding a bundle of marijuana sealed in one out of about a half-dozen plastic buckets.

Days after the dog moved in, the community has rallied behind him.

When Trooper assists police in making a monetary seizure, a portion of the funds will be set aside for the dog's benefit. Until then, all costs are out-of-pocket.

When Breeden announced he would be covering all initial food and veterinary bills, residents stepped forward to help.

Town veterinarian Trevor Collins, of Gracemere Veterinary Services, has agreed to donate his time. Several former Town Council members said they would cover the cost of food. A local shop printed new "K-9" decals for a town patrol car, and the Frederick County Sheriff's Office donated the car's canine cage, which was installed by Trooper's new handler.

Trooper's new home is with three-year town police officer Dan Manili, who said his 16-, 10- and 3-year-old sons have immediately taken to the dog.

"We're just all very excited. I'm just totally grateful," said Manili, who will train to be a certified handler at a 12-week course starting in October in Front Royal. Trooper won't be on active duty until then.

The Warren County Sheriff's Office has arranged for Manili to be trained at no cost to the town, Breeden said.

Middletown is in negotiations with Frederick County regarding a boundary adjustment that would expand the town's borders across Interstate 81, giving police the authority to make stops on the highway.

Trooper will be an asset if that occurs, Breeden said, and will be available to all surrounding departments while he and his partner are on duty.

The Town Council voted Monday night to officially accept Trooper as a member of the town Police Department.

"He's a family member," Manili said.