SEES Students Fall In Love With Tango During Presentation

Third graders at SEES pose with Tango, Deputy Jordan Jones, and Det. Wally Ritter.

Edmonson Voice Staff:
Third grade students at South Edmonson Elementary have been reading and discussing a children's book entitled "Aero and Officer Mike," by Joan Plummer Russell, which is the story of an officer's bond with his K-9 Unit and how they work together to help the community. While the teachers say the kids have enjoyed the book, there's nothing like experiencing the real thing in person.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office let the kids see a real life officer and K-9 in action as Deputy Jordan Jones, Tango, and Detective Wally Ritter amazed the students with Tango's abilities.

"The kids were ecstactic," said teacher Mrs. Jessica Doyle. "It was probably the most exciting program we've had all year."

Mrs. Jessica said that Deputy Jones placed a scented training material inside one of several boxes and left the area while the students hid the box from Tango. When Jones and Tango returned, Tango quickly found the hidden box and he was rewarded with his ball, Tango's favorite toy.

While the kids cheered on Tango for finding the box, Mrs. Jessica said their favorite part was when Tango was instructed to "get the bad guy," played by Det. Ritter.

"Detective Ritter put on a protective sleeve while Deputy Jones told Tango that he was a bad guy," said Mrs. Jessica. "Deputy Jones gave the detective some instructions but he didn't follow them. When Tango received the command, he quickly ran down Det. Ritter and bit him on the arm, protected by the sleeve, of course. The kids loved it!"

All third grade classes attended the program. The classes are taught by Mrs. Lesley Spainhoward, Mrs. Ashlee Webb, and Mrs. Jessica Doyle.