ALEXANDRIA — A quarter-ounce of marijuana was found by a drug-sniffing dog at City Hall during Monday’s City Council meeting under a councilman’s chair.
There was no crime involved, however. The drugs were planted by Alexandria police officers to demonstrate the drug-finding abilities of the department’s newest officer, a black Labrador named “Blaze.”
During Monday’s council meeting, Officer Jason Austin of the Alexandria Police Department introduced Blaze to council members and informed them that drugs had been planted in council chambers prior to the meeting.
As council members peered around the room to try and find the drugs visually, Blaze lowered his nose and began following the scent.
After chasing the smell to the seat of Councilman John Dockrey, the Labrador sat on his hind legs, wagged his long black tail and looked up at Austin, a cue that he’d found drugs.
Dockrey laughed and rose from his chair, allowing Austin to reveal the quarter-ounce of marijuana taped beneath his seat.
“Is there a particular reason you picked my chair?” Dockrey asked with a laugh.
Austin said that since being activated on the streets last month, Blaze has “hit” on two separate drug stashes in vehicles during routine traffic stops.
The dog, he said, can be called in to search the exterior of a vehicle whenever an Alexandria police officer suspects that drugs may be inside the vehicle. The dog has also assisted Madison County sheriff’s deputies.
Police Chief Brian Burnett said the canine was purchased with donations from Alexandria residents who heard the department’s call for help. Police were able to raise $11,981 to pay for the canine and training for Austin.
The police car used by Austin and Blaze was donated by Azimows Culbertson scrap yard in Alexandria, Austin said.
The animal responds only to commands given in Dutch, Austin said. Police dogs are trained in foreign languages so that only the officer in charge of the animal can give orders.
Although Blaze is only a drug-sniffing dog presently, Austin said the department is also training him as a tracking dog, which will aid in the search for missing people.
In other council news:
• The council approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing a city redevelopment department and 5-member redevelopment commission. The commission will include three residents appointed by Mayor Jack Woods and two members appointed by the city council. The aim of the commission is to improve the city’s economic future by attracting new business and improving the face of the town.
• Councilman Dr. David Steele said trees for the Harrison Street tree project would be planted later this month. The city raised $29,500 toward the planting of 110 trees along Harrison Street. The city still needs $3,500 to purchase all 110 trees.
• Mayor Woods said the city will continue to operate on a four-day work week with City Hall closing on Fridays but open Monday through Thursday until 6 p.m. The effort is a cost-saving effort designed to cut back on heating and cooling expenses. Clerk-treasurer Jan Lynch said it’s too soon to see if the measure has saved the city money. In order to further gauge the effectiveness of the shortened week, Woods said the new hours will continue into April.
• Woods said that only bagged leaves will be picked up by the street department.
• Trick or Treat hours on Oct. 31 will be between 7 and 9 p.m. A safe Halloween party will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 at Harrison Square.
• City offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, in observance of Columbus Day.
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9:49 p.m.: Drug dog finds planted marijuana at city meeting
‘Blaze’ introduced to council members
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