`a Christmas Carol' Returns Refreshed 
Music Box Players Mark Ninth Annual Performance Of Holiday Classic Featuring
New Lyrics And Music.

Addicts, Abstinence And The Politics Of Methadone

By JOHN DECKER Times Leader Staff Writer
 Monday, November 15, 1999 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 3A 





HANOVER TWP. - The newest member of the police force has one
responsibility: to sniff out illicit drugs in the community. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He's fully accredited and trained to uncover marijuana, heroin, crack,
cocaine and methamphetamines. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you see him on the street, just call him ``Zeke.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Zeke, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, will likely be seen working with his
partner and handler, Officer John Van Why. The pair logged 400 hours of
narcotics detection schooling earlier this year with professional trainers
from the Philadelphia Police Department. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The duo graduated from the school in July, and Zeke was commissioned for
duty in late August. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``(Our chief) wanted a drug dog,'' Van Why said. ``This day and age, drugs
are everywhere.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``You need that additional tool of a dog trained in drug detection,'' said
Chief William Howatt. ``It's like a police officer having a flashlight or
other equipment necessary for the job.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 But a trained police dog is no flashlight, and the cost shows. Howatt said
he budgeted $5,000 this year for Zeke's care and continued training. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``It's like having a Cadillac ... Can you afford it?'' Howatt said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Yet Howatt is so impressed with Zeke's abilities that he has budgeted more
money for an additional canine, a patrol dog specializing in searches and
criminal apprehension. The new dog and his handler, township Lt. Mark
Stefanowicz, are being trained in Reading. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Van Why said he and Zeke have become close in the last several months. In
addition to becoming his new partner, Zeke also is Van Why's new roommate. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Van Why said his instructors recommend the handler take the dog home to
build solidarity. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``The closer the bond, the better he'll work for you,'' Van Why said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Howatt said the pair soon will start working in several different areas of
Hanover Area School District. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He said he hopes the interaction will build a positive relationship between
students and police. He also hopes it gives parents confidence that there is a
system of ``checks and balances'' in the schools.

4 Paws Hanover Twp. Police Department's Newest Tool In War On Drugs 
`zeke,' A 2-year-old German Shepherd, Is Trained To Help Officers Uncover
Marijuana, Heroin, Other Narcotics.

4 Paws Hanover Twp. Police Department's Newest Tool In War On Drugs `zeke,' A 2-year-old German Shepherd, Is Trained To Help Officers Uncover Marijuana, Heroin, Other Narcotics.