What's Happening in Lancaster, OH…

The Community Days Festival in Lancaster has been hosted by the West Side United Neighbors Block Watch for the past seven years, and this year, the Lancaster Police Department and Fairfield County Sheriff's Office were the beneficiaries of the effort.

The event was held at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in mid-May, and the proceeds enabled the group to donate a leash to the Sheriff's Office, and four holsters to the police. The leash is for Khar, the sheriff's K-9, and the holsters will go to the Lancaster Police Department's special response team. The leash cost approximately $150, and the holsters are approximately $165 each.

Talia Barsi is the block watch captain, and said they first ask the police what they need, and then decide what they are going to buy and give to them. Organizations that host events like this can use poster printing to publicize them.

Khar's handler is Deputy Shaun Meloy, who says Khar is used in apprehensions and drug cases. The new leash attaches to Meloy's duty belt, so that his hands are free. He adds that the leash is a bungee lead, so the dog is limited in how far he can go, but Meloy can pull a cord and let the dog loose if the situation calls for it.

The police are equally appreciative of their holsters, which have a strap that keeps the weapon in place. Older model holsters were worn out and unsafe.