The Logan County Sheriff’s Office unveiled this week a new specialty training tool for the department’s K9 Thor that will help the German shepherd to hone his subject-subduing skills when he is working out in the field.
The agency was able to purchase an $1,800 bite suit weighing between 80 to 100 pounds as a result of a donation by business owner Lance Humble of Humble Construction Co., who said it was another meaningful way that his company could help support the law enforcement agency.
“We’re regular supporters of the sheriff’s office, and we were excited to provide the practical assistance to the canine program. We realize that the canine program is so important to fighting the drug battle in our community,” he said Wednesday while K9 Thor prepared for a bite suit demonstration with the help of his handler Deputy Cole Piatt and Corrections Officer Lance Minnich.
Lt. Ryan Furlong said the agency’s canine program could not exist without the financial assistance of a number of local businesses and generous community members, with money generated from the Behind the Badge golf outing and other individual donations funding Thor’s food, veterinarian bills and other expenses.
“With Lance and a number of businesses stepping up to the plate, along with individuals in our community, that makes this program possible,” Lt. Furlong said, relating that Project Paws Alive also donated Thor’s $1,400 bullet-proof vest. “We can’t thank them enough for their support.”
Deputy Piatt said the Demanet Bite Suit will be used in Thor’s training exercises for the 16 hours of training required each month by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Each Wednesday, the deputy and his canine partner meet with other K9 units from approximately 10 other area agencies to practice their skills and commands.
“Now having our own bite suit is a big advantage,” Deputy Piatt said as Corrections Officer Minnich tried on the suit and prepared for the canine to make passes at him.
“Thor tends to want to go for your arm, but with the bite suit, it trains him to subdue subjects in other ways.”
Corrections Officer Minnich, also a volunteer firefighter with Huntsville Fire Department, said the suit somewhat similar to turn-out gear that he wears as a firefighter.
“I could tell that Thor was biting me based upon the pressure on the suit and the weight of the dog, but couldn’t feel any pain.”
With the training, one of the ultimate goals is that Thor does not have to bite a subject. Deputy Piatt trains with commands ordering Thor not to bite if a perpetrator is complying.
“Thor did great perfectly today, pulling back when he was ordered to. It’s all a game to him involving rewards at the end, and he wants to do well with it,” the deputy said.