It’s true that former deputy Mimi Savage had a K-9 working in the West End. Many people loved that the dog, “Jocko," was on staff for Montrose County Sheriff’s Office. Savage left a few years ago, but Deputy Marcelino Mendisco kept the thought of having another K-9 in the area.
Mendisco, West End deputy for the last five years, made the request for another K-9 in October. He knows how effective having a dog trained in drug detection can be, and the people of the West End have repeatedly requested more law enforcement for that specific issue. After some discussion last fall, the request for a K-9 was approved for 2024.
In late March, Mendisco traveled to Denver for the K-9 training. After a day of classroom work, he was able to meet the dog he was assigned to, Voodoo, a German Shepherd born in Mexico with extensive training.
Mendisco and Voodoo spent more than a month in places like Kersey, Greeley, Platte Valley and Wiggins, Colorado throughout the month of April. They trained together in lifelike scenarios.
Voodoo lives with Mendisco full-time. Different than a pet though, Voodoo has been thoroughly trained to work. Mendisco agreed the dog takes his job quite seriously, and his drive to go to work is very high.
They’re together 24/7, and Mendisco can respond to surrounding agencies, if assistance is needed. The dog is already working, and in the short time he’s been in the West End he’s successfully helped with two drug arrests. The dog has been to San Miguel County to work and has assisted the state patrol.
Voodoo has a kennel at home and at the office (the old Naturita Elementary School) he rests in, and he has a special kennel in the car too. The dog is trained to ride along and is very comfortable.
Commander Schmalz told the Forum he’s pleased. He confirmed the goal in having Voodoo is to help with the drug issue. But Voodoo can do more too. He’s trained to track. That means if the West End Sheriff’s Posse needs help with search and rescue, or a suspect is on the loose, the dog can step in and go to work.
It’s safe to say that Mendisco and Voodoo have bonded. While the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office owns the animal, the deputy and K9 live together, and Mendisco is the sole responsible person. Their contract together is for three years, but Mendisco said he can’t imagine giving up him after that time.
“I’m not going anywhere, and I don’t want to give him up,” Mendisco said last Friday.
The German Shepherd’s job will last until he is approximately 7 to 12 years old. Then the dog is eligible to retire. Mendisco told the Forum many law enforcement employees are allowed to purchase their dog after it retires, something he’d like to do. For now, his intention is for a great career together and to work alongside each other as long as they can.
Mendisco said the overall K-9 experience has been very good. And, his wife, a sergeant for Montrose County Sheriff’s Office in the West End and who is also on patrol, is also content with the situation. At the same time, the family does have other dogs as pets, and all had to quickly establish that Voodoo is no pet and can’t be treated like one. He’s a working animal.
From now on, Mendisco and Voodoo will complete certifications every six months, which is the standard for working K-9s. They’ll be out in the public eye more often in the future. Voodoo is still young though, 22 months, and he’s learning to socialize.
