6th graders invited to name new trooper K9

Sixth graders throughout Alaska are invited to compete in a contest to name Alaska’s newest trooper K9. The deadline is May 10.

The invitation comes from Gov. Bill Walker. The dog-naming contest is part of Walker’s plan to build a safer Alaska by combatting the state’s growing epidemic of opioid and heroin addiction.

“Drug dogs are critical members of law enforcement and help reduce the amount of illicit drugs smuggled into Alaska communities,” Walker said. “This contest gets students involved in our efforts to reduce substance abuse in Alaska, and educates youth about the dangers of drug abuse.”

Students participating in the K9 naming contest will learn how drug dogs are trained, and about the dangers of using illicit drugs. Each sixth-grade class can submit one name for each dog, K9A and K9B. The dogs’ names should be one to two syllables, and classes should avoid cute or scary names. Names with Alaska connections might be strong contenders.

Winning classes will receive acknowledgement from the governor’s office and a visit from the dog and its handler next fall.

For more information about the K9 naming contest, contact Sharon Fishel in the Department of Education and Early Development at Sharon.fishel@alaska.gov, or call 1-907-465-6523.

Advertisement
Advertisement