ilani to get K-9 protection

RIDGEFIELD — The Cowlitz Public Safety Department recently acquired a K-9 unit to help heighten security to both the Cowlitz Reservation and ilani. Officer Arnie Belton and dog Oakley were trained and certified through Pacific Coast K9. Oakley is a female German pointer who turns 3 in May. She will be sworn in on Feb. 24. “The Cowlitz Tribal Public Safety Department is pleased to announce another stage of our development in providing a professional and sovereign police force that all tribal members can be proud of,” Donald R. Walkinshaw, director of Cowlitz Public Safety, said in a news release. “We look forward to seeing Oakley patrolling our grounds and supporting our valued security force,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, president and general manager of ilani. “The safety of guests and members of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe are always our highest priority,” said Philip Harju, chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. “We are pleased to enhance our public safety measures with the addition of our first K-9 officer and the added protection the new unit will provide.”