HIGH POINT – Each year, more law enforcement officers come to depend on their skilled police dogs to help them in tense situations.

Several area law enforcement K-9 handlers showed Sunday what their canine friends can do at the close of a “Top Dog” competition sponsored High Point Canine Solutions at Wesleyan Christian Academy soccer field to benefit the new Officer Down Memorial Fund.

“Sometimes one dog is equal to about 10 men,” said Officer William Carson of the Durham County Sheriff’s Department. “Some suspects that it would take 10 men to apprehend, won’t go up against a dog.”

Carson brought “Frisco,” a nearly 4-year-old Belgian-breed Malinois to the dog’s first competition. “We are here for the cause,” he said.

Master Police Officer Sarah Hester of the High Point Police Department is one of the founders of ODMF. The charity sold T-shirts and raffle tickets to raise money at the free event. A top dog was recognized in several categories and then an overall award was given for “Top Dog of N.C.”

The death of N.C. State Highway Patrol Trooper Shawn Blanton, who was shot last year on Interstate 40 near Asheville, prompted Hester to start the charity. “That was a sad story,” Hester said. “He and his wife had a baby born premature. We wanted to find a way to help with her bills. Other officers leave similar situations for their families when they die.”

Canine Solutions provided judges and the school offered the field for free. Other charity goals include using funds to start education programs for officers.

“We want to help officers prepare for the worst-case situation in case something happens,” Hester said, “to be sure they have their personal information collected and ready.”

dnivens@hpe.com | 888-3626