Not all High Prairie’s crime fighters have 2 legs

Const. Lee Watt wears protective gear to demonstrate how Cody would attack someone who makes threatening moves toward officers and other people.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

The RCMP Police Dog Service is one of the tools available in High Prairie to help stem drugs and drug trafficking, as well as track down and apprehend suspects. Cpl. Mike Lewis and his German Shepherd, Cody, demonstrated their capabilities during the Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association’s annual general meeting Sept. 20. Lewis placed a plastic bag with drugs underneath a chair in the Elks bingo hall. He led Cody around the hall and he found them after only a few minutes. Later, in the parking lot and with the delegates standing back, Lewis demonstrated his silent commands with Cody. Const. Lee Watt donned protective gear and hid behind a mound of dirt. At the right moment, he came out to yell and taunt them. Lewis ordered Cody to attack. After the attack, Lewis commanded Cody to lie down while he arrested Watt. He finished with a question and answer session with the delegates. Lewis and Cody arrived in High Prairie in July 2007. Lewis has been with the RCMP for 26 ˝ years, including 11 years with the Police Dog Service. He says the handler has to love animals to do the job. “We all enjoy the independence of it and the challenge,” says Lewis. “It’s an opportunity to work with an animal every day.” A trainer works with the handler for 85 working days to train the dog. Lewis adds everything has to work right before the dog is put into service. Lewis and Cody serve the region as well as High Prairie.

Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster