Ottawa County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit Robert L. Bratton

Deputy Shuff Appointed new K-9 Handler

On Thursday, July 21, 2005, Sheriff Bratton appointed Deputy Charles (Chuck) Shuff as our newest K-9 handler. Deputy Shuff will replace Detective Joe Vidal who is our present K-9 handler. Detective Vidal was recently promoted to the Detective Bureau. His new duties and other matters necessitated the need for a new handler.

Deputy Shuff began his career with the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office in December of 1994, assigned to the Corrections Division. In October of 1997 he was promoted to the patrol division where he continues to serve today. Deputy Shuff is a member of the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office Special Response Team, is Assistant Marine Patrol Coordinator and was the liaison between the Sheriffs Administration and our Reserve Deputies.

In his application Deputy Shuff wrote; 'Over the last few years I have had several opportunities to assist Detective Vidal in K-9 demonstrations with 'Aron'. I have been able to observe the dog, his behaviors and his duties, and these observations had made my interest in the K-9 program grow. I have always been interested in the law enforcement K-9 programs but working directly with 'Aron' has made me realize that handling a K-9 is a field in which I would like to pursue and excel in.'

'Aron' begins training with Brian Woods, the owner of Lynnwood Kennels in Fremont, in mid-August. In September Deputy Shuff will begin an extensive six week training program with 'Aron' and together they will be certified by the State of Ohio. To obtain certification the K-9 Team must be proficient in Narcotics Detection, Obedience, Tracking, Area, Patrol and Building Search, and Apprehension Techniques.

Sheriff Bratton, Chief Deputy Riedmaier and Captain Levorchick congratulate Deputy Shuff on his new appointment. We realize the tremendous dedication this position requires and know Deputy Shuff will continue our K-9 program with the same spirit and professionalism as our previous handlers.

Within the support services area, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is proud to maintain one of the areas finest K-9 Units, Deputy Joe Vidal and his partner "Aron".

The K-9 Unit is responsible for narcotic searches, rescue and apprehension assistance. Deputy Vidal became involved in the K-9 program after Sergeant York reluctantly gave up that position. This K-9 Unit has proven to be a great asset to Ottawa County and other outside agencies.

The picture below shows Mr. Gary Skeel, Nuclear Security Supervisor at the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Station, presenting a check for $7,900 to Sheriff Emahiser to help assure Ottawa County has a K-9 service available to everyone. Mr. Skeel said “This donation underscores First Energy’s commitment to security not only to the Davis- Besse NPS but also to the community that we are a part of. The partnership that we share with the Sheriffs’ Office is appreciated and this is our chance to say thanks.”

Sheriff Emahiser said “In today’s ever tightening budget without the generosity of First Energy we probably would not have been able to replace K-9 ‘Jordi’, We would have lost an important crime fighting tool for our County. The deterrent that a highly trained K-9 team imposes upon the drug trade is very important to Law Enforcement in this County. Working together with the Ottawa County Drug Taskforce, the K-9’s of the City of Port Clinton and Danbury Twp. Police I believe that we make a strong statement to those involved in the drug trade. We have the tools necessary to fight illegal drug trade here in Ottawa County and we’ll take all the steps necessary to detect and apprehend these offenders.”

November 15, 2002 at the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Station

Mr. Gary Skeel (left) and Sheriff Emahiser (right)

Deputy Joe Vidal and ‘Aron’

History of the Ottawa County K-9 Service

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office started their K-9 Division in the 1980’s and has had five K-9 Teams. Previous handler and K-9 teams have been Sergeant Mike Henry and ‘Rudy’ and later Deputy Steve Avers and ‘Rudy’, Sergeant Brad York and ‘Rex’, Sergeant Brad York and ‘Jordi’ and currently Deputy Joe Vidal and ‘Aron.’

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has always been committed to exploring new and alternative methods of providing better service to the public. One of those methods is use of Police K-9’s. The Sheriff’s Office K-9 is “Dual-Purpose” trained. To obtain certifications the K-9 Team must be proficient in Narcotics Detection, Obedience, Tracking, Area, Patrol and Building Search, and Apprehension Techniques.

Deputy Joe Vidal (handler) and ‘Aron’ as a team, hold several certifications through the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy and the North American Police Work Dog Association. They continue to improve their skills with bi-weekly training in addition to that received at Lynnwood Kennels in Fremont, Ohio.

During the first twelve months of ‘Aron’s’ service he has participated in nearly 50 calls for service. They include narcotics searches, building and area searches, and tracking. Over twenty of those calls were provided as mutual aid to Village and Township police departments throughout Ottawa County. These K-9 utilizations serve as a tool to fight an ever-growing drug problem. Additionally, in coordination with local police departments and school administrators, every high school in Ottawa County was randomly searched for narcotics.

Deputy Vidal and ‘Aron’ have also averaged one canine demonstration a month since going into service October of 2002. These demonstrations are provided to any organization, civil group, club, or school that makes a request. Deputy Vidal can be contacted at the Sheriff’s Office if you wish to schedule a demonstration. This is a service provided at no charge. The demonstration covers the training and abilities of a police service dog and performance of various skills by Deputy Vidal and K-9 Aron.

‘Aron’ is a 2-½ year old tan Belgian Malinious from the country of Holland. After completing initial training Deputy Vidal has welcomed ‘Aron’ into his home where he lives and has become part of the family.

‘Aron’ shows an indication of illegal narcotics under the hood of a car.

Deputy Vidal and K-9 ‘Aron’ after a day of training.