By SYDNEY KENT
A black Labrador is the soon-to-be newest team member of the Ossian Police Department.
His name is Toby, and he is expected to join the OPD by the end of this year.
Police Commissioner President Caleb Chichester presented a photo of Toby and described him as a family dog with specialized training in search and rescue, drugs and retrieval. However, he is not drilled in aggression tactics or “bite” training.
Chichester acknowledged the need for Toby’s services, particularly in drug training, noting that illegal substances are present in the town.
The cost for the K-9’s initial fees, vehicle outfitting, training, memberships, harnesses and insurance were estimated at up to $14,293. However, the endeavor is completely covered by a donation from Bargain Hut for $15,500.
“When we started down this path looking, I was skeptical to get half (of the funding),” Chichester said. “The community support has just been unbelievable.”
After the initial fees, Toby will cost the department approximately $1,600 annually. Chichester said Chief Kurt Jack will offset some fees, as he is planning to donate food for the K-9 like he does for the K-9s in an another county.
Chichester noted that the department hopes to officially welcome Toby in December. First, he must go through 30 days of training with his handler, Officer James Elliot. Unlike many K-9s, Toby is encouraged to live inside the home with his handler. When Elliot is away, Toby will stay with Jack — also saving on boarding costs.
The council also approved three needed new ballistic vests for $3,601 for the department.
In other updates, the council approved the town’s 2025 budget in the amount of $2,174,972. It will now need to be approved by the Department of Local Government Finance.
The Jefferson Township Advisory Board was also present at Monday’s meeting to discuss the ongoing issue of fire protection in the township, which will appear in Wednesday’s News-Banner.
In other business, Ossian Town Council:
• Approved a bid to API Construction for work on the Archbold-Wilson Park access driveway for $301,403.
• Approved amendment 24-10-1 approving the issuance of bonds by the Ossian Redevelopment Commission.
• Approved trick-or-treating hours at 6-8 p.m. on Halloween.
• Approved payment to Wayne Asphalt for $79,644.40.
• The Ossian Redevelopment Committee approved contracting Baker Tilly for consulting services on bond issuing for the extension of Baker Drive in the amount of $40,000 prior to Monday’s meeting.
sydney@news-banner.com
