Sheriff’s Office looks to re-establish K-9 Unit

Provided photo – Chris Bourke is shown with K9 Cim.

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is pushing to re-establish its K-9 unit following the retirement and death of Cim, a drug-detecting dog.

Cim was diagnosed with cancer last year and cancerous tumors were removed in the summer of 2015. Cim was retired from service in December after long-time handler Chris Bourke became undersheriff on Jan. 1. Bourke was a lieutenant in the Sheriff’s Office.

Cim had an additional surgery this past spring, and succumbed to cancer in June.

“Cim was an excellent working dog with a great personality,” Bourke said.

The dog was trained in patrol, drug detection, obedience, tracking and article search.

“Cim was a great liaison for the Sheriff’s Office and performed many demonstrations for groups and schools,” Bourke said.

The Sheriff’s Office is re-establishing the K-9 Unit and recently named Deputy Jeffrey Cole to be the new handler. Bourke said the Sheriff’s Office has located a canine and is in the process of evaluating the dog. The Sheriff’s Office also will be looking to upgrade the 9-year-old K-9 patrol vehicle.

Many community members and local businesses have expressed interest in contributing to this cause, Bourke said. The Orleans County Sheriff’s has established an account to facilitate the donations which will be used for purchasing and training the canine and deputy, outfitting the vehicle, training aides, and other equipment needed for the K-9 Unit.

“Any contribution for the canine unit is greatly appreciated and accepted as they minimize the impact of this great resource on the Orleans County taxpayer,” Bourke said.

Checks should be made payable to the “Orleans County Treasurer” with a notation in the memo portion “For Sheriff K-9 Fund.” Checks should be mailed to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, 13925 State Route 31,Suite 400, Albion, NY 14411.