WVCF K-9 unit demonstrates for ISP youth camp

WVCF Sergeant B. Barlow and WVCF Officer A. Barker demonstrates commands utilized during an attack

​Wabash Valley Correctional Facility

VINCENNES – Recently, the K-9 Unit for Wabash Valley Correctional Facility presented at the Indiana State Police Summer Youth Camp.  Eric Dunn of the Indiana State Police contacted WVCF’s Warden Brown to request the Facility’s K-9 Unit be allowed to conduct the presentation.

The event took place at the Indiana Military Museum in Vincennes, Ind.  Several members of WVCF’s K-9 Unit assisted with the demonstration which lasted approximately 45 minutes.  Field Commander Shroyer shared information on what drugs the K-9 are trained to detect.  Mock searches were conducted, followed by demonstrations showing the commands utilized during an assault.

WVCF K-9 Field Commander Sergeant M. Shroyer presents information on the drugs the K-9 are trained to detect

About the ISP Youth Camp and the Event:

The Indiana State Police Youth Camps started nearly 50 years ago.  The camps are open to junior high and high school students.  The careers camp for high school students is hosted separate from the youth camp.  In addition, the Indiana State Police host a Pioneer Camp for youth involved in probation.  The camps give the youth a chance to learn about Law Enforcement in a more in depth way.   Information is presented on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, Animal Care, Blue Light (Fallen Officer), Fire / EMS, ISP, Computer / Personal Safety, K-9, Respect for Ourselves / Others, Patrol Issues, SCUBA & SWAT.  The ISP camps are reaching out to our youth, showing them there are people who have committed their lives to caring for others in our community. 

On occasion the experience ignites a passion leading to a career in criminal justice or emergency response. A good example is Fire Fighter and EMT Tanner Waldrip. 

EMT Waldrip stated the following about the camp.  “I came to law camp as a camper roughly 9 year ago.  I grew up with a Fire Fighter as a father and a Nurse as a mother, and knew I wanted a career in Public Safety.  In that time as a camper I learned a lot about law enforcement and the importance of first responders.  I enjoyed camp so much that in 2017, after becoming a fire fighter and EMT myself, I came back to serve as the camp’s medical staff for the last 3 years.  I use my job and position at camp to care for campers and to encourage them to become good citizens and public servants.” 

The Lions of Indiana are one of the gracious sponsors who make the camps possible.  Their contributions help fund several of the week’s events including, “Pizza by the Pool,” the Military Museum Picnic, a nacho / taco supper and a cookout before graduation.  The Lions motto is “We Serve.”  This is one way they serve the community.