I recently had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser organized by the Franzeses for Elizabeth City's K-9 units. The highlight was a wonderful demonstration of search, pursuit, hold for arrest, drug sniffing and obedience by the K-9 officers with Ciro and Buck. These two K-9 units have assisted in many drug and other arrests in Elizabeth City, and The Daily Advance should always mention their participation so that they can get the recognition they deserve.

We only have two K-9 partnerships in the city, and in view of the escalating drug/gangs/shootings and other violent crimes here, we really need to get two more dogs immediately so that all four patrol shifts can be covered.

I urge City Council to include the cost of two more German Shepherds (at $4,500 each), and another dog when Ciro retires in a year or two in the city budget. That way, the funds being raised by private citizens could cover the cost of the bullet-proof vests for the dogs (each vest costs between $400 and $500) and the continuing vet care which they so richly deserve.

I am sure we would all feel more secure having around-the-clock K-9 patrols. Hats off to our gallant two- and four-legged officers, who put their lives on the line for us every single day.

GILLIAN HATCH CARLSEN

Elizabeth City