McKean County Detective Bureau K9s LG, Rigby and Nico accompanied District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, Officer Dakota Eaton, Officer Bob Rinfrette and Vicki Rinfrette to Smethport Elementary and Eldred Elementary Schools where they were invited to participate in Red Ribbon Week on October 27th.  Red Ribbon Week is celebrated each year nationwide from October 23 – October 31 to promote an anti-drug lifestyle. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, drug dog LG and explosives dog Nico along with their handlers Bob and Vicki Rinfrette met fourth-graders in Smethport to talk about the dangers of drugs and safe medication handling.

Many of the students were dressed in themed attire for Red Ribbon Week. Later that day, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, drug dog Rigby and Officer Dakota Eaton were greeted by students at the Eldred Elementary School.  The students performed a song they had prepared prior to the assembly and the school gave out awards to students for their participation throughout the week by wearing themed outfits each day. 

The students were excited to meet the dogs and the dogs were excited to meet the students.  K9s LG, Rigby and City of Bradford Police K9 Duke are the county’s three drug dogs who work in all municipalities.  In addition to working in the field to detect narcotics with area law enforcement, they accompany DA Vettenburg-Shaffer to schools and community events to promote the DA’s educational program called “Support the Nose,” which is designed to remind children that “Police Officers are Your Friend” and to “Say No to Drugs”.  All of the dogs in the McKean County Detective Bureau K9 Unit including LG, Rigby, Nico, and tracking K9s Roxy, Izzy, Dutchess, and Dixie can be seen at community events throughout the county.  If you would like the District Attorney and K9s to visit your school, please contact the County Detective Bureau at the District Attorney’s Office (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/da-and-k9s-visit-local-schools-red-ribbon-week