Buster is the new police drug dog

The Dickinson Police Department has a new member on the team - Buster, a 2-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever.

Ray Becker of Richardton donated the dog to the police department.

"Training dogs is something I've always had an interest in," Becker said. "I've trained blood-hound search dogs and now I train drug dogs as well. It's something I really enjoy and I think it's important work."

Becker also trained and donated Buster's predecessor, the recently retired Duke. Both dogs were certified by Midwest Canine Alternatives of Long Prairie, Minn.

"They're tested on up to six different narcotics," Becker said. "They have to get at least 75 percent of their finds. Buster's gotten 100 percent every time and so did Duke."

"Buster was one of the youngest dogs ever certified," Becker added. "He was certified at 10 months old in all areas. Typically, they don't like to certify them much before 16-24 months. He's an extremely intelligent working dog."

Dickinson Police Department Officer Corey Lee was selected to be Buster's handler.

"This is something I've always wanted to do," Lee said. "I've always loved animals. I grew up around animals."

Lee is a third-generation law-enforcement official. His father works for Ward County in Minot and his grandfather was an assistant chief of police in Jamestown.

For about two months now, Lee and Buster have become well-acquainted, being together every minute of every day.

"It's been interesting learning how he works and some of his likes and dislikes," Lee said. "If he's not happy, I know about it. We had to modify the car because he likes to stick his head out the window. We had cages on the windows and that was causing him some anguish. He would sit in the back and whine."

But Buster also knows how to work and he is very much a people person.

"He likes to be outside," Lee said. "He gets a bit upset if he's inside too long. He gets a little rambunctious, a little restless. He loves people and he loves kids. We've been to a couple parks with him and the kids really seem to like him."

One of the challenges, as well as one of the advantages in being Buster's handler, is the dog becomes part of the family. Lee and his wife own a black Lab, which as been a particularly challenging adjustment.

"It's interesting at times for them to acclimate to each other," Lee said. "For the other dog to see (Buster) leave with me is tough, but everything is coming together. It's been a huge learning experience."