Grab your clubs as The Chester County Sheriff’s Office will be holding its 23rd annual Sheriff’s Community Golf Classic at the Downingtown Country Club golf course on May 9th, with all proceeds going towards supporting the community work of the Sheriff’s K-9 unit.

“We are pleased to work with law enforcement in Chester County and beyond,” said Chester County Sheriff, Carolyn Bunny Welsh. “Our K-9s have proven to be a valuable asset and an excellent resource to all law enforcement agencies.”

Welsh also introduced Melody, the latest addition to the K-9 unit. As a comfort dog for the courts, Melody has the important task of caring for county’s citizens, particularly children, who can find court proceedings stressful and upsetting.

“Melody comforts every one of every age and makes traumatic and emotional situations much easier to handle,” added Welsh.

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was established ten years ago to serve the citizens and assist law enforcement in multiple areas including working in the court system. The unit currently has nine K-9 teams, all of which are trained in tracking as well as in detecting bombs and explosives, drugs, accelerants, and cadavers.

County Sheriff’s Deputies have complete powers of enforcement anywhere within the county and as a result, the K-9 teams can respond to requests for assistance in any location without concern for jurisdictional authority.

“Our K-9 services have been recognized for their professionalism and efficiency, which has resulted in their services being requested by numerous townships, county, state and federal agencies,” concluded Welsh.

For more information about this year’s event contact Sheriff Welsh at cwelsh@chesco.org.  Check out previous VISTA Today coverage of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office here.