By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
McGruff visits Long County Library
2LCSO Vist Library
Long County Sheriffs Office Lt. Danny Dinkins reads the book Officer Buckle and Gloria to kids at the Long County Library as McGruff listens during a recent event at the Long County Library. - photo by Photo by Mike Riddle

Kids from all over the area got a treat recently as they met McGruff the Crime Dog at the Long County Library.  

In addition to McGruff, the kids also got to meet Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office drug dog Buko and his trainer, Sgt. 1st Class Evan Smith. The children also met meet Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles and several other members of the Long County Sheriff’s Office.

Library Manager Tammy Goober welcomed all of the guests and introduced Lt. Danny Dinkins of the LCSO. Dinkins read Gloria Rathman’s book “Officer Buckle and Gloria,” which promotes child safety. Two safety tips brought up in the book were for kids not to stand up in a swivel chair and not to put anything sharp in their ears.

After Dinkins finished the book, he introduced Smith to the group. Smith showed K-9 Buko, a 3-year-old Dutch shepherd, to the children and told them how he helps law-enforcement officers locate illegal drugs. He said he and Buko have been working together for six months and that Buko has been working for the TCSO since 2012.

Smith said some of the drugs that Buko can identify include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and crystal meth. LCSO Lt. Jeff Dawson explained to the kids that just like they are rewarded by their parents when they completed chores around their home, Buko is rewarded by getting play time with a rubber ball when he finds a drug.

Smith then allowed all of the kids to pet Buko as Nobles gave each child a goody bag from his office.

After the presentation in the library, all of the children and their parents went outside to look at several LCSO and TCSO vehicles.

Nobles said he appreciated the TCSO bringing the drug dog and was glad his department could come out and promote reading at the library.

Sign up for our e-newsletters