HONESDALE, PA — K9 officers and their handlers visited Honesdale High School and Middle School on Tuesday, March 29, to conduct a proactive narcotics sweep at the request of the district administration. 

Each year, Wayne Highlands School District coordinates the canine search conducted by narcotics detection canine handlers. This process is an additional attempt by the district to be proactive in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.

This year's effort was coordinated and in partnership with the Wayne County District Attorney's Office, Wayne County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office K-9 Unit, and the City of Scranton K-9 Unit.

The search was requested to “maintain a safe and secure learning environment,”  said wayne County District Attorney A.G. Howell.  

“When a school district requests a search, law enforcement will work with the district to schedule and assist with the search. We know that increased access to  drugs and other substances is a concern for school districts, parents, and law  enforcement.” 

DA Howell said all lockers were searched but no narcotics were located. 

Due to the number of lockers, three K9 officers were required to complete the search. Wayne County Sheriff’s Department K9 deputy “Manfred,” Lackawanna  County District Attorney’s Office K9 Detective “Riggs,” and City of Scranton K9  Officer “Gunnar” along with their handlers, Deputy Ronald Kominski,  Lackawanna County Detective Vince Butkiewicz, and Scranton Police Officer  Jerry Tallo searched the high school and middle school. 

“Keeping students safe and drug-free remains a priority for area school districts,  the district attorney’s office, and area law enforcement,” Howell said. 

The K9s are specially trained to detect narcotics. They signal their handlers when they sense a presence of a narcotic. K9 handlers go through extensive training with their K9s to learn the animals’ behaviors as well as to stay current on drug trends and concealment methods. 

The Wayne Highlands School District Police were present, along with the District  Attorney, Wayne County Detectives, Wayne County Sheriff and Honesdale Police accompanying the K9s. 

Anyone who would like the K9s to search your facility or to request a presentation on narcotics for students of any age, contact the Wayne County Sheriff’s  Department at 570/253-2641.