SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sheriff Mike Schiff has introduced a new K-9 program in the Jail Division of the sheriff’s office. K-9 Lea and her handler, Deputy John Wagner, Jr., attended eight weeks of training at the Ulster County Sheriff’s K-9 Academy before becoming certified in narcotics detection. 

“We are excited about this new program”, said Schiff. “It will be a game changer as we try to prevent contraband from entering our jail facility.”

The dog, a German shorthair pointer, and the associated K-9 equipment were purchased with a grant, and the K-9 has become a welcome addition to the staff in the county jail. 

When the sheriff’s office was initially considering whether to start a K-9 program in the jail, they had a deputy from Ulster County come down and give a demonstration to the jail administration. “While conducting the demonstration, the Ulster County K-9 actually found contraband on one of our incarcerated individuals,” said Schiff. “At that point, we were convinced.” 

The sheriff said that Lea and Deputy Wagner will receive additional training in the spring to be able to perform the tracking of missing and wanted individuals. Schiff stressed that because of Lea’s primary assignment in the jail, she will not be trained in aggression or handler protection.