K-9 unit is valuable new resource

The Kalispell Police Department welcomed a valuable new resource in the fight against drug use and drug-related crime last weekend with the introduction of its first K-9 unit.

“You’re seeing the beginning of a really good partnership for the community,” said Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset.

Cairo, a Malinois/shepherd cross, and his handler, Kalispell Police Officer Jason Parce, are a partnership formed out of necessity. Drug use, drug-related crime and the ensuing burden on local law enforcement has been steadily on the rise across the Flathead Valley in recent years. The addition of the K-9 unit is most welcome, and maybe even overdue. It’s one more important tool that’s now available to local agencies in the fight to keep drugs out of our communities.

Cairo was described by his trainer as having strong drive and endurance, and Parce has been an invaluable asset to law enforcement for more than 11 years, having won the Montana Police Officer of the Year award in 2012 as a testament to his service. That’s a powerful duo joining in the fight against drugs.

The goal of the K-9 unit, according to Parce, is to “slow or infiltrate the flow of drugs into the valley.”

It’s a noble and necessary cause, and we wish both Parce and Cairo all the best as they embark on the new mission together.

Dog park ‘fetching idea’

Kalispell is finally getting an off-leash dog park. It’s a fetching idea — long overdue — and kudos go to the Kalispell City Council for not rolling over on this one.

The 3.5-acre facility will be located at Begg Park on the city’s south side and will be a public-private partnership much like the successful Hugh Rogers Wag Park in Whitefish. The city will put in $40,000 from this year’s parks and recreation budget, with the nonprofit Paws to Play group pitching in $10,000 for the initial startup costs of fencing and drainage.

Paws to Play is raising money for other amenities such as benches, water stations and waste-disposal receptacles and has organized its first fundraiser from noon to 9 p.m. April 4 at MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub in North Kalispell.

Kalispell City Council member Rod Kuntz summed up the rationale for providing a dog park: “Dogs are a part of our community, just like people are a part of our community. They are a part of people’s families.” Well said, Mr. Kuntz.