Buzzby

Operation Bow Wow Nabs Drugs at Gates
Jamie Haig | Emerald Coast | 08/14/2006

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Staff Sgt. James Richey, Eglin Air Force Base 96th Security Forces Squadron, and military working dog Baddy, a three-year-old Czechoslovakian shepherd, were walking through the Hurlburt Field Visitor Control Center parking lot when Batty started pulling on his leash, leading the sergeant toward a parked car.

Rounding the front quarter panel of the vehicle, Baddy sat - an indicator to his handler that he found something: drugs.

Monday morning from 5:30 - 9 a.m., the 16th SFS, with help from the 96th SFS, conducted Operation Bow Wow, a random drug search of vehicles entering Hurlburt Field.

"We were hoping to maximize the number of cars inspected by conducting the search this morning," said Maj. Marc Sheie, 16th SFS commander. "We have a cooperative effort with Eglin. The 96th SFS has supported our operations, so when they conduct these kinds of sweeps, we're committed to help them as much as we can. The bottom line is we're making both communities safer."

At each gate, there were two dogs and handlers, along with other security forces personnel. Other dogs and handlers were on stand-by, to give the MWDs a break from the heat.

Staff Sgt. Ron King, 16th SFS, and his dog, Bak, were standing by while Staff Sgt. Thomas Diaz, 16th SFS, explained the search procedures to a driver who was tapped for a search.

"We give the people an idea of what we're doing," said Tech. Sgt. Paul Gambrell, the 16th SFS MWD trainer, who oversaw the operation. "We check their credentials, explain the procedures and have them open all the compartments of their vehicle."

As the occupant stood back, Sergeant King took Bak over to the car and checked the tire wells, trunks, under the hood and inside the front and back seats. After approximately 60 seconds, the search was complete and the car and its driver were released.

"The searches work in two ways," said Sergeant Gambrell. "We're not only looking for contraband, but it works as a psychological deterrent. The other drivers see us doing the search and it's a reminder that we will do our job. We will be checking for drugs."

More than 200 cars, trucks and supply vehicles were checked at the front and back gates of Hurlburt Field Monday.

Of those searched only one person was found in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested by the Okaloosa County Sheriff department.

Not bad work for a Monday morning.