Backing Obie: Sheriff’s department fundraising for K-9
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Obie, trained in bomb and narcotics detection and tracking, has been entirely funded by donations.
Celeste Van Kirk/ Observer-Reporter
Sheriff’s Deputy Kristie Salzman stands with her partner, Obie, at the Washington County Courthouse on Monday. The department is fundraising for a new K-9 vehicle to transport Obie.
Gideon Bradshaw/Observer-Reporter
This file photo shows Obie, a K-9 trained in explosive detection and tracking, when he started with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department in August 2016. His handler, Deputy Kristie Salzman, cares for Obie through donations.
Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Kristie Salzman can’t say enough about her partner.
On the job for a little more than two years, he’s an expert in bomb and narcotics detection and tracking missing people and suspects. He’s also enthusiastic and enjoys interacting with others.
“He’s the best employee the county has because he loves to go to work everyday,” Salzman said. “In 25 years, he’s the best partner I’ve ever had. And I’ve had some really good human partners, but there’s only one Obie.”
A 4-year-old black Labrador retriever, Obie is the only working K-9 officer in Washington County trained to detect explosives.
Every morning, Salzman and Obie make sweeps of the courthouse, Courthouse Square and the complex’s parking garage. The duo also inspects other county buildings as well as school districts and concert venues. A tracking dog, Obie helps find missing people and wanted suspects, and acts as an ambassador for the sheriff’s department, making appearances at events like National Night Out and school assemblies.
“Everybody knows Obie,” Salzman said. “He loves kids. He’s receptive. He also helps with kids being fearful of law enforcement. At the same time, I always remind the kids that not every K-9 is friendly, and to ask before you touch. So there’s always a lesson. I’m always teaching when I’m with him.”
The cost to obtain Obie from a kennel in Mercer County – including training and equipment – was $12,500. There are also costs to feed him and veterinarian bills. But the county hasn’t had to pay anything for the canny canine. Obie has been entirely funded through donations.
“We are very fortunate to have community support,” said Salzman.
Tractor Supply supplies Obie’s food and organizations and individuals have made donations for his care. Washington Lions Club bought him a bulletproof vest.
Many times, Salzman ends up paying for his medical bills and equipment.
“We’ve been together for four years. A lot of the stuff I bought, because he’s my partner,” she said. “The biggest expenses are vet bills. He got sick and I panicked like he was my kid. He was sick and he can’t tell you what’s wrong. Even his yearlies are expensive. I want to keep him healthy, and it can become very pricey.”
Another large expense is a K-9 equipped vehicle. The 2013 Ford Explorer that Salzman currently uses to transport Obie has high miles and is started to have mechanical problems.
“A lot of people don’t realize that if his vehicle is in the shop, we can’t just grab any car. It has be to be equipped for a K-9,” Salzman said.
The county’s current K-9 vehicle was fitted with an insert to keep Obie safe, but it lacks a heat alarm that would automatically cool the vehicle in the event that it would stop running in hot weather.
In an attempt to purchase a new vehicle, which will cost as much as $44,000, the sheriff’s office is fundraising and will hold a “K-9 Obie Fundraiser” event Nov. 24 at Julian’s Banquet Hall, Washington.
A $20 ticket includes dinner, entertainment, including a band and DJ, and the chance to meet Obie, who will be giving out smooches from a kissing booth. The department has been collecting donations for raffles and an auction.
Salzman’s hope is to host a yearly event in order to continue the county’s K-9 program long after she retires.
“Obie is a riot. When I come in (the courthouse) in the mornings, if he already did his job and is taking a break, everybody’s like, ‘It’s nice to see you, but where’s Obie?’ He likes people. He’s larger-than-life, personality-wise,” she said. “He’s a happy dog. He’s my life.”
Katie Roupe/Observer-Reporter
Observer-Reporter
In this file photo, Trinity North first-grader Aaliyah Ewen gets a kiss from Obie, Washington County’s K-9 dog, when Deputy Kristie Salzman brought him for a visit with the students in 2016.
K-9 Obie Fundraiser
6 p.m., Nov. 24
Julian’s Banquet Hall, 78 W. Maiden St., Washington
$20 ticket includes dinner and entertainment
Auction, kissing booth with Obie and more
Tickets are available until Nov. 10 at the Office of the Sheriff, Courthouse Square, Suite 303, 100 W. Beau St., Washington, or by calling 724-228-6840; Family Court Center, 29 W. Cherry Ave., Washington; Trapuzzano’s Uniforms, 27 W. Chestnut St., Washington