Monday, April 24, 2006

beyond the call of duty


After an early career switch from guide to detective, Accelerant Detection Canine Wiloa (seen here with her handler in an Oregon State Patrol photo) served more than six years with the Oregon State Patrol. Her retirement was announced this month.

"Wiloa has performed 6 1/2 years of service and worked beyond her 5 year obligation," said her handler, Detective Tom Hatch, in a prepared statement. "She not only performed her duties with distinction, but has been an ambassador for the Department while opening many doors for the section that were at one time closed."

Wiloa - Lolo for short - responded to hundreds of fires in her career.

"Many of these investigations have led to convictions and confessions resulting in the suspect serving time," Hatch said.

Besides active duty, the yellow lab spent hundreds of hours in training and certification. Replacements for Hatch and Wiloa will undergo training in November.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Wonder what she will do with her retirement...probably volunteering at the old dogs home... :)