A local K-9 Unit in the making

Restauranteur backs effort to curb local drug traffic MATAMORAS — Most area residents know that Charlie Shay makes barbecue ribs to die for, but what most people don’t know about him is that he’s the founder of “Friends of the K-9 Unit,” a recently formed group which also includes Sarah Prey and Judy Shay. “We’ve seen people dealing drugs in bright daylight, but there’s nothing the police can do about it unless they have a search warrant. If they approach the person and ask if they can search the car and are told no, they can’t do it, but if the police had a dog and the dog acted a certain way, (tipping them off to drugs) they would have ‘probable cause’ to search the vehicle without a warrant,” Charlie explained. The dog, a pure bred German Shepherd will be between 14 and 18 months old and coming from somewhere in Europe when brought to the U.S. A chosen officer will be trained with the dog, the total cost upwards in the amount of $60,000. It is an intense six-month training period. “The Port Jervis Police have allowed the Eastern Pike Regional Police to utilize their police dog on occasion and it was very effective. This program will work for the area,” he insisted. Charlie and the Friends of the K-9 Unit have written letters seeking donations from local businesses and some monetary donations have been sent in. “We plan to have a fundraiser auction and dinner, at the Riverview Inn on Sunday, July 4,” he said. “So anyone wanting to donate new items or gift certificates for the auction can do so and we are still accepting monetary donations. (July 4) will also be Camaro, Firebird and Cougar (competition) Sunday and the top three cars will receive prizes.” “K-9 Unit” donations can be mailed to Charlie Shay, 400 Shay Lane, Matamoras, PA 18336 or call 570-491-2173 or 1-800-988-7941 to make arrangements for larger items.