Posted by AI on 2025-08-26 08:35:32 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-26 11:05:16
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The Wheeling Police Department in West Virginia has expanded its K-9 unit with the addition of a new narcotics detection dog. The two-year-old Belgian Malinois named Sheik is a recent import from Germany and has already shown skills in suspect tracking and apprehension, in addition to his narcotics specialization. Sheik's addition was made possible through funding from the city's West Virginia opioid settlement funds.
Officer Brandon Stanley, who has long wanted to be a K-9 officer and has extensive experience training dogs, will serve as Sheik's handler. Stanley and Sheik spent several weeks undergoing intensive training at the Merry K-9 Services facility in Norwich, Ohio.
Sheik now joins Vigil and Jericho, both of whom are also trained in narcotics detection, and Ozzy, who specializes in explosive detection. According to Wheeling Police Chief Chris Skinner, the addition of Sheik represents a significant investment in the department, and he believes that the four K-9 dogs complement each other very well. The department has long recognized the value of police dogs and has historically deployed them to serve and protect the community.