Melody, a comfort dog for the county courts, is the newest member of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit.
The Chester County Sheriff’s Office is holding its 23rd annual Sheriff’s Community Golf Classic on Monday, May 9 at the Downingtown Country Club golf course.
The proceeds of the golf classic support the community work of the Sheriff’s K-9 unit.
“We are pleased to work with law enforcement in Chester County and beyond,” Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh said. “Our K-9s have proven to be a valuable asset and an excellent resource to all law enforcement agencies.
“The newest addition to the team is Melody, a comfort dog for the courts. Melody has become an important part of caring for our citizens, particularly children, who are under stress and often distraught during court proceedings. Melody comforts every one of every age and makes traumatic and emotional situations much easier to handle.”
In 2006, Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was established to serve the citizens and assist law enforcement, including working in the court system. The nine K-9 teams have utilized their specialized skills in all county owned facilities and have contributed to the safety of citizens and county employees. The teams are all trained in tracking and in the areas of Bomb/Explosive, Drug, Accelerant, and Cadaver.
The K-9 teams are able to respond to requests for assistance in every area in the county without concern for jurisdictional authority. County Sheriff’s Deputies have full enforcement powers anywhere within the county. Welsh said, “Our K-9 services have been recognized for their professionalism and efficiency, which has resulted in their services being requested by numerous townships, county, state and federal agencies.”
In previous years, the golf outing has raised funds for various community programs, including DARE, BABES, KIDS SAFE, DEPUTY PHIL, BULLYING HURTS, EDDIE EAGLE GUN SAFETY, SAFE KIDS CAR SEAT and TRIAD.
For more information on the Golf Classic on May 9th, contact Sheriff Welsh at cwelsh@chesco.org.
