Sheriff deploys explosive-detection K-9 after 51-day delay

Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert deployed a new K-9 program Wednesday after 51 days of wait. The program includes a donated 2.5-year-old German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix named Makro, who was trained to detect explosives. The costs of feeding, housing, transporting and training the dog were also covered by donations. Albert said he would no longer wait for commissioners’ approval, and that he has the statutory authority to operate his office without interference from county commissioners. The sheriff and deputies will start working the county on October 28, 2026. Makro and his handler, Deputy Joshua Porter, will be deployed throughout the county and will inspect holding cells for potential firearms.

Commissioners responded that the county will “review all options it has available to it.” They have questioned the costs of adding the K-9 unit to the duty roster, including a half-hour of daily overtime required under state law for police canine handlers. They have also demanded Albert eliminate one full-time or two part-time deputy sheriff positions to pay the costs of the program. The commissioners have questioned Albert’s financial assessment of the program and suggested the sheriff’s estimated costs were unrealistic. They have also said the dog remains contractually obligated to its handler and not the county until an agreement is finalized.

Albert said he would no longer wait for commissioners’ approval, and that he has the statutory authority to operate his office without interference from county commissioners. He said the sheriff’s warrant team operations were halted as he reorganized the unit. He said the program was made so there is no cost and so they can’t say no to it. He said Makro and his handler, Deputy Joshua Porter, could no longer remain inactive waiting for commissioners to act, with both the dog and deputy needing to work to reinforce training. He said they will be deployed throughout the county, and during the next several weeks the team will be sent to district judge offices to inspect holding cells for potential firearms.

Commissioners have said in theory they endorse the K-9 program, but they questioned the costs associated with adding the dog and its handler to the duty roster. In the sheriff’s Oct. 26 letter to commissioners, Albert said Makro’s handler was forced to be off work for 51 days, costing him more than $10,080 in pay, to facilitate Makro’s training while waiting for the commissioners to sign off on the K-9 plan. It’s money Albert said his deputy is not seeking to be reimbursed for.