Tag: K9

Dolphin's class names drug detective K9

As part of the Safer Alaska initiative, Governor Bill Walker  announced the names for the two new Alaska State Trooper drug detection K9s.  K9-B will be named Mak (short for Kachemak, as in Kachemak Bay) -that name was suggested by Hannah Dolphin’s class at Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School in Kenai!

Hannah Dolphin, 6th Grade Teacher, K-Beach Elementary said, “We’re excited! One of my students, Karley Johnson, was the one who came up with the name. When I asked her why she picked it she said, ‘I thought of it because my dad goes fishing a lot. He fishes in Kachemak Bay and I was thinking of some of the days I’ve gone fishing with him.’ My class also thought the name was fun because of the play on words with Kachemak, like “Catch ‘em, Mak!”
As 5th graders, K-Beach students have the opportunity to participate in D.A.R.E, thanks to the Soldotna Police Department. Officer Brennan comes in each year to teach students about positive decision making, and resisting drugs. Our school works closely with the police department, and I think these are really good ways to foster positive relationships between students and law enforcement.”

K9 Contest Winner K9B K-Beach
K9-A will be named M.O.C.H.A. (acronym for Meth, Opioids, Cocaine, Heroin, Alaska); the name was suggested by Ryan Engebretsen’s class at Teeland Middle School in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
“M.O.C.H.A and Mak will play important, integral roles in our efforts to create a Safer Alaska,” Governor Walker said. “I’m so grateful for the participation of Alaska 6th graders and citizens across the state in selecting these names. I look forward to seeing the important work these new dogs will do.”
The State Troopers will use the K9s to help detect opioids and other drugs in a variety of places across the state in continued efforts to tamp down on drug use and trafficking. Alaska 6th graders initially submitted over 70 potential names for the new dogs after learning about the impacts of drug abuse, and how to respond in difficult situations.
Names were selected via Facebook poll from suggestions made by Alaska 6th-graders.
K9 Mak 2017

Sixth-graders invited to name two law enforcement K9s

2017 K9 Contest FlyerStudents Invited to Name Two K9s
Alaska’s sixth-grade classes are invited to submit names for two new law enforcement K9s, whose tasks will include searching for illegal drugs. Use of heroin and other opioids is a growing problem across the United States. Governor Bill Walker, who recently declared a public health crisis in Alaska, signed Administrative Order 283 to outline the state’s next steps to address the drug epidemic. The dog-naming contest is an initiative of Safer Alaska Building Strong Communities, to engage students in illicit-drug prevention.
Each sixth-grade class can submit one name for each dog. Be sure to match each name to a specific dog. K9A is a very friendly Belgian Malinois, one and a half years old, who prances like a horse when he walks. He is long and lanky. K9B, also a Belgian Malinois of the same age, pounces on his toy when he retrieves it. His fur is black from his paws to his knees, so he looks like he’s wearing socks.
Some helpful hints: Avoid cute names like Fluffy; these K9s are professional law enforcement members. Avoid scary names or the names of drugs. The names should be easy to say, preferably of one or two syllables. Names with a connection to Alaska might be strong contenders. Winning classes will receive acknowledgement from the Governor or Lt. Governor, a visit from the dog and his handler, and a plaque with a picture of the dog.
Submit names to Sharon Fishel at the Department of Education and Early Development at Sharon.fishel@alaska.gov. The deadline is May 10. If you have questions, contact Ms. Fishel at 907-465-6523 or Sharon.fishel@alaska.gov
2017 K9 Contest Flyer