The Bridgeport Police Department K-9 Team was founded in 1993. The team was composed of Sgt. Randy Watkins and a black and tan 2-½ year old German Shepherd named Sarge. Sarge was a dual-purpose police dog, which means he was trained in narcotic detection and patrol work. He was certified in five different narcotic odors, and was also trained in tracking. His patrol training consisted of obedience, handler protection, apprehension, building and area search, and recall. Sarge loved to work and show off his talents. When they were not actively engaged in law enforcement activities, the team spent a lot of time doing K-9 demonstrations for school and civic groups. Sarge had to retire in July 1997, due to health problems, and lived with Sgt. Watkins and his family until he passed away in January 1998.




Sarge's successor, Sylko, was imported from Germany in March of 1997, and very quickly learned the skills necessary to step into Sarge's role in the department. Sylko was also a dual purpose German Shepherd. He was sable-colored and a very dynamic dog. He loved to work, more than anything. The limits of Sylko's abilities were never reached. He was eager to learn and please. Sgt. Watkins and Sylko soon became a polished team and Sylko's abilities were in demand throughout North Central WV. Like Sarge, Sylko was very friendly and spent a lot of time doing public relations and K-9 demonstration s for various groups. Between them, Sarge and Sylko were responsible for the seizure of several pounds of illegal narcotics in the North Central WV area as well as several thousand dollars in asset forfeitures as a result of drug seizures. Unfortunately, Sylko passed away suddenly in July 2000. After several months of searching his replacement was found, a fourteen-month-old male German Shepherd pup named Wolfgang.



Wolfgang, quickly shortened to Wolf, was a fourteen-month-old sable-colored male with a lot of promise. He is very friendly, and has a good nose for drugs. He quickly learned odor recognition and enjoys hunting drugs and tracking. He will also be dual trained in patrol. Wolf was two years old in March of 2002. He is eager to learn and shows more maturity every day. He hopes to be every bit as capable as his predecessors. If anyone would like to learn more about the K-9 program, you may contact Lt. Randy Watkins by email or by calling (304) 842-8260.