PORT ANGELES – Port Angeles’ waterfront trail will have a lot more people walking their dogs along it in a few weeks – but these dogs will carry badges.
The five K-9 handlers of the North Olympic Peninsula are preparing to welcome between 80 and 120 teams of police dogs and their handlers.
The group will come together for a semi-annual training seminar at the Port Angeles Red Lion Hotel, beginning on Sept. 17.
The three-day seminar of the State Police Canine Association will train K-9 handlers and dogs to search for narcotics and explosives as well as to track suspects and secure vehicles and buildings.
The K-9 dogs are considered officers, and carry badges.
The K-9 handlers association has about 180 members in Washington.
The semi-annual seminars draw officers from Alaska, Canada, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
