Brad Horn/Nevada Appeal
The Carson City Sheriff's Department makes no bones about it " this dog has bite.
Diesel, a 22-month-old German shepherd, is the department's newest working dog. But unlike his comrades, Teddy and Troy " trained specifically for locating illegal drugs " Diesel is the department's first K9 deputy that can protect his handler, apprehend suspects, track missing persons and locate drugs.
Purchased through a grant from the Carson City Meth Coalition, Diesel began patrols with Deputy Jimmy Surratt in December.
Already, the dog's presence has had a calming effect in potentially violent situations, said Sgt. Brian Humphrey, commander of the department's Special Enforcement Team.
"There was a fight recently, and one of the people involved looked like he was going to run," he said. "As soon as that dog got out, people became more compliant and followed instructions."
Humphrey said another attribute of Diesel is usefulness.
"He is the only weapon we have on the force that you can deploy and recall. You can't recall a bullet. You can't recall a taser shot. But you can call off Diesel," he said.
Surratt has voice command over Diesel, but if the dog is in a vehicle, and Surratt is in trouble, he has a remote control that will open the doors to allow Diesel to do his work.
"He is a tool that can be used to protect the public and protect his handler. He is fearless when given the command to go apprehend a suspect," said Humphrey. "People will try to intimidate police, but they can't intimidate this dog."
Care for all three dogs comes entirely from donations and has for years.
Humphrey said Pedigree provides food at no cost and Sierra Veterinary Clinic takes care of their medical needs. Heat alarm sensors, which alert the handler when internal police car temperatures are dangerous and automatically roll down the windows to allow the dog to escape, are also paid for through donations or grants.
Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.