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ELKINS -- The Randolph County Commission heard a request for a second K-9 officer from the Sheriff's Office this week.
Deputy Tyler Knotts, who is the K-9 handler for the Randolph County Sheriff Office, talked about how important the department's current dog, Twix, has been for police work in the county.
"We've had K-9 Twix for about a year now, and with his help we have seized approximately two pounds of narcotics, methamphetamine and fentanyl," Knotts said. "That's around $100,000 in drugs in a year's time."
Knotts said sniffing out drugs isn't the only asset Twix brings to the RCSO on a daily basis.
"We also had two apprehensions by Twix this past year, one was a malicious assault suspect, and the other was on an attempted murder suspect," said Knotts. "If it wouldn't have been for Twix, we would have been in situations in both of those incidents where the outcome would have been drastically different."
Knotts said during the second arrest, the suspect was high on opioids and had an extensive blood alcohol level, and was non-compliant after leading police in a high-speed pursuit.
"We had to utilize the dog, due to the fact that he posed an immediate threat to everyone there, as well as the civilians who were present," said Knotts. "He was out on bond for felony strangulation and battery of a police officer. (Twix has) been a real asset to the Sheriff's Office."
Knotts said Twix has also been involved in more than two dozen apprehensions by presence. He added that two vehicles being used in the sale and distribution of narcotics were seized because of K-9 sniffs by Twix.
"There's people who will fight us all day, every day, but they don't want to fight the dog, especially Twix," said Knotts. "Having a K-9 is something that has greatly benefitted this community."
Knotts said the Sheriff's Office would like to have a second K-9 officer.
Knotts told Commissioners Chris See and Cris Siler, who were present at Thursday's meeting, that citizens are not truly aware how dangerous fentanyl is and how much of it is actually passing through the county.
"We are overwhelmed and it's gotten to the point where I have done some research (about getting another) dog," Knotts said. "The entire cost of the second K-9 would be through grant funding and the only money that would be associated with the county would be for the care and keep of the dog."
Knotts said that, through a contact he made while completing his K-9 Instructor Trainer Certification, the second K-9 could be obtained immediately.
"A second dog would allow us to have a K-9 on each rotation," Knott said. "The sheriff and chief deputy have been in communication with each other about opening up the position for our department to qualify people who are interested and we are in the process of moving forward from there."
Siler told Knotts that he agreed that a second K-9 would be an asset to the community, and noted the cost for the upkeep of the dog would be the main thing the commission would look at before making a decision.
"It's a matter of doing the money thing, seeing if we have that," said Siler. "My suggestion would be to figure out what you think the annual cost is going to be, and try to figure that into your budget for next year. Let us know and then we can talk it over and go from there."