LISD Police Department canine Tara is “pawsitively” the best narcotics dog in town. Tara won first place on Friday at the Narcotic K-9 competition held as part of the National Police Week observance celebration. The event featured law enforcement representatives from local, county, state and federal agencies.
Tara is a three-year-old German Shepherd/Malinois mix dog who has been with LISD PD for 18 months. Tara and her handler, LISD Police K-9 Officer Victor Gomez, competed against 40 other law enforcement dogs. Gomez and Tara had been preparing for the contest for two weeks.
Gomez described the contest as a scavenger hunt for narcotics. “Basically, 60 to 90 narcotics items are hidden in random locations,” Gomez explained. “You have three minutes to run your dog and find as many items as you can. Tara located various narcotics such as marihuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine in those three minutes. She won First Place with 1,000 points.”
The canines are judged for their response, alert, and location abilities. The handlers are tested on their ability to control and direct their dog and to identify canine behavior changes when narcotics are present.
“We have a great dog with a great nose,” Gomez said. “I am proud and happy to say that Tara is an LISD dog. We live with each other 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I take care of her and she takes care of me.”
Tara celebrated the victory by taking a nap after the ruff competition and snacking on dog treats. Tara and Officer Gomez return to work on Monday, resuming their duties to ensure the safety of all LISD schools.
Gomez has been a member of the LISD Police Department for five years. Serving in law enforcement was Officer Gomez’ dream when he was a student at Santo Niño Elementary School, Cigarroa Middle School, and Cigarroa High School where he played on the varsity soccer team. He also played on the Laredo College soccer team for two years.
The Narcotic K-9 Competition was held at Elias Herrera Middle School and was sponsored by the City of Laredo Police Department and the United ISD Police Department.