Pubdate: Tue, 23 Apr 2002
Source: Free Press, The (NC)
Copyright: 2002 Kinston Free Press
Contact: http://www.kinston.com/Contact.cfm
Website: http://www.kinston.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1732
Author: Corrinne Hess

DUKE THE WONDER DOG

Second K-9 Officer Will Begin Soon

His first day on the job Duke, Lenoir County Sheriff's department's newest 
four-legged officer, uncovered almost a pound of marijuana and seven grams 
of cocaine.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois is fresh out of training and ready to work 
hard to live up to his predecessor's example of courage.

"He's full of life and ready to work," said Duke's handler Kenny Barrow. 
"There is no doubt in my mind he won't let us down."

Duke has tough shoes to fill. He is replacing Nero, the K-9 hero who lost 
his leg last year.

Nero was chasing a man fleeing from officers when he was shot in the chest 
Sept. 27.

The dog was flown to N.C. State Veterinary hospital and underwent surgery 
to remove the leg.

After the shooting, Lenoir County residents formed Project Nero to raise 
money for his replacement.

"The support of the community showed me how many great people we have in 
this county," Barrow said.

The sheriff's department will have a second new K-9 officer in three weeks. 
Sheriff's Deputy Mike Powell is at Southern Police Canine in Spring Hope 
training with Kilo.

A $10,600 donation from the Rotary Club will pay for Kilo.

"Belgian Malinois make great police dogs," Barrow said. "It takes a special 
trainer and a special dog. Nero was a perfect example."

Duke will work mainly with narcotics detectives, collecting drugs humans 
can't detect.

Lenoir County Sheriff W.E. "Billy" Smith said the addition of Duke and Kilo 
will get the department back in business.

"We're pleased to death to have him," Smith said. "The city has been good 
about helping us out, but now we're able to have a dog on full-time."

Barrow is pulling double duty. In addition to training the new K-9, he 
visits area schools with Nero, who was his partner before the shooting, to 
discuss the dangers of guns.

Barrow said the decision to take on another K-9 partner was his.

"I had mixed feeling about even getting back into law enforcement after the 
shooting," Barrow said. "The shooting changed my life. Sept. 27 was like 
Sept. 11 for me."

The support of God, friends, family and the community helped Barrow get 
through Nero's long recovery period, he said.

Barrow said his first night at home with Duke was difficult for Nero.

"He cried the first day because he was jealous," Barrow said. "Duke doesn't 
understand why Nero gets to go in the house and he has to stay in the kennel."

Although Duke will never truly replace Nero, Barrow is confident the dog 
will give it 110 percent.

"I promised myself I wouldn't compare the dogs," Barrow said. "There is 
only one Nero in my life. Duke will have to make his own history."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens