K-9 Challenge is an Akron First at Lock 3, Sponsored by the APD
Teams of sleek, lean, highly-trained law enforcement personnel will take-over Lock 3 in Downtown Akron on Saturday, May 21, and some of them don’t even eat Kibbles ‘N Bits.
Akron’s first "K-9 Challenge" is being sponsored by the Akron Police Department, and will include over twenty K-9 teams from Summit, Stark, Portage and Wayne Counties.
The Olympic-style competitions begin at 10am and will continue until completed, about 2pm at Lock 3, 200 S. Main Street. Parking is free in the State Street parking deck.
"We all do training together," said Nevin Webb, the officer organizing the event. "But usually, only the Police Olympics have dog team events. This is a way for us to show the public what our K-9 teams can do, and have some fun at the same time."
Webb, an Akron K-9 officer for eight years says all eight Akron police dogs will participate in the competition with their handlers.
Departments from Barberton, Canton, Kent, Stow, Wooster, the University of Akron, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office have all signed-on to compete in the event, along with other jurisdictions.
Dogs will be judged on obedience, agility and criminal apprehension - following criteria used in state certification tests. In addition to trophies being awarded in various categories, there will be one "Top Dog" award given to the K-9 team that scores the most points.
The panel of judges will include experienced canine handlers along with WKYC-TV news reporter Eric Mansfield. The Akron K-9 Challenge is open to the public, and free of charge. Spectators are welcome. Lock 3 will offer food and beverages for sale. Pet-related products will also be available for purchase.
