Remsen co-op feeds sheriff's K-9 program

Sabot, the trained German shepherd that works with the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, practices regularly with his handler, Deputy Scott Dorhout. Sabot stays well-fed, thanks to food donation from the Farmers Cooperative Company in Remsen. [Click to enlarge]

The co-op has been donating dog food for about three years to the tune of about 40 pounds each month, according to feed department manager Jon Perrizo.

"They had a need, and we said sure," Perrizo said. "I think the K-9 program is very important. The dog can do so many more things and be of aid during drug and people searches."

Sabot, pronounced "SAY-boe," has been with the sheriff's department for about six years, said Chief Deputy Craig Bartolozzi. Sabot is handled by Deputy Scott Dorhout.

"Sabot recently helped with tracking in the armed robbery attempt (just northeast of Le Mars), he's helped with car searches, and he's trained in searching for lost people and he's trained as an aggressive dog," said Bartolozzi. "He's helped out with several SRT (Special Response Team) missions and been the lead dog going into (drug) houses."

The SRT is a special task force which responds to drug busts and other calls of that nature.

The sheriff's office issued a press release thanking the Farmers Cooperative Company for the donation.

"Their dedication and support of this program helps law enforcement be successful in our communities," the press release stated.

Perrizo, at the Farmers Cooperative Company, said he's enjoyed having Sabot and his handler stop by the co-op a few times just to visit.

"Sometimes the deputy will hide some contraband in the office and then let him go, and it's just a matter of minutes before he finds it," Perrizo said.

The co-op's support is ongoing, he added.

"We'll do anything we can to support the K-9 unit," Perrizo said.