Matthew TothLebanon Daily News
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Lebanon City Patrolwoman Erin Secoges meet her new canine partner down in South Carolina and spent six weeks training to work together at the High Drive K-9, Inc. training facility.
"The first week was a lot of bonding between him and I," she said. "Him getting used to me, me getting used to him and his antics."
Over the following weeks, the pair would train in basic obedience, drug work, bite work, tracking and various other functions a police K-9 would need to learn. Their last day of training was Friday, March 8.
That's why Secoges stood proudly next to Ares as he was sworn-in at a city hall ceremony Tuesday, March 12, as the new Lebanon Police Department K-9 officer after more than a year.
The Belgian Malinois officer is the first K-9 officer for the Lebanon City Police Department since Apollo, who retired in December 2022. After nine years of service to the city, officials decided to retire Apollo because of age-related health issues.
K-9 units offer a reassuring presence to the public, according to Lebanon Police Chief Bret Fisher. He added that it is a big accomplishment to have the K-9 unit program up and running again.
"It's a great community outreach tool," he said. "People love police dogs. It is a great tool for community relations, but it is a great tool for police work."
Secoges and Ares will continue a regular patrol throughout the city, with Fisher saying that Ares is a narcotics detection dog. The pair's duties will also consist of building searches, tracking of suspects or missing persons and criminal apprehension.
"Being a K-9 officer is a 24/7 job," Fisher said. "Ares goes home and lives with Officer Secoges. On their day off, (Secoges) has responsibilities to take care of the K-9. That's why it's a labor of love to have a K-9."
During the weeks in South Carolina, Secoges said positive re-enforcement was key to training Ares for his department duties. During his swearing in ceremony Tuesday, Ares was playing with a ball that Secoges said was part of that training in methods like tracking and drug detection.
"He would used his nose to search a room or a car," she said. "As soon as he would alert on drugs being present, he would be rewarded with that ball. So that ball is number one in his life."
In December 2022, Lora Lebo presented city officials with an $18,000 check on behalf of the William D. Lebo Memorial Foundation for the initial acquisition and training of the department’s replacement for Apollo. The foundation seeks to honorLt. William Lebo, who was killed in the line of duty March 31, 2022.
Over the following year, the city raised another $33,000 through fundraisers and auctions, according to former city councilman Tony Matula. Donators included the Lebanon Federal Credit Union, Friends of All Animals, RJ Sells Body Shop and the The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 472.
Ares partner
City officials Tuesday awarded Secoges with a life-saving award for her actions on June 5, 2023. Responding to a vehicle accident at 10th and Walnut Streets, Secoges found that a full-size pickup truck had struck a Toyota Corolla with a female driver.
"Recognizing the severity of the woman's injuries, Officer Secoges forced entry into the vehicle and directed fire and emergency services personnel as they began life-saving measures," Mayor Sherry Capello said. "And whereas Officer Secoges' swift response and professionalism averted what could have been a heartbreaking loss ... Her commitment to the citizens of Lebanon, those passing through and quick thinking were the determining factors in the positive outcome of a young life being saved."
Several months ago, the family sent a letter to the department thanking Secoges' efforts that day and were present during her award ceremony.
Serving the Lebanon City Police Department for more than four years, Secoges is the department's first-aid and CPR instructor. Fisher said Secoges has shown throughout her career a solid commitment to the department and the city.
"Officer Secoges has spent more time with K-9 Ares in the last six weeks than she has spent with her family," he said. "There will be days in the future where she will spend more time with K-9 Ares than anyone else."
In the wake of the introduction of her new canine partner and recognition of her service, Secoges said she is overwhelmed but excited for the future. Her passion for her work on the force and animals led her to take on the added responsibilities of a new K-9 officer.
"What better than to combine the two and do my job while having that bond with that dog," Secoges said.
Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.
