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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: March 7, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - The newest member of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office was introduced to the public Friday morning.

Eragon, a 14-month-old German shepherd, strode into the Sam's Club on U.S. 19 with his handler, Deputy Cliff Baltzer, a field training supervisor, and several other sheriff's officials around 9:30 a.m. Through the years, Sam's Club has donated about $30,000 to the agency, including money to purchase the new K-9 deputy, worth about $7,500.

Trim and healthy-looking, Eragon rested next to Baltzer as he was introduced to the store's employees, one of whom later asked why the dog looked thin.

"He's new from Europe," said Sgt. Brian Brosnan, a supervisor with the sheriff's K-9 unit. "In Europe, they believe in keeping the dogs thin, which is good, because when we start training them they have to be able to go over fences and things like that. He'll probably put on a few pounds, though."

Most K-9 deputies work with the agency seven to nine years, Brosnan said.
Eragon will live with Baltzer's family, which includes two other German shepherds.

"They all get along fine," said Baltzer, a nine-year veteran of the sheriff's office.

Before Baltzer was selected as Eragon's handler, he completed an interview and "tryout" with Eragon.

"We went tracking through the woods, about 4 miles," Baltzer said. "We went through a swimming hole, lakes, the whole nine yards. Then we had to run back to the sheriff's office."

During Eragon's law-enforcement career, the sheriff's office will pay for his food and veterinary bills. After his service, Eragon is expected to continue living with Baltzer's family, which will assume financial responsibility for the dog.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613.

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