Sharpsville Police Department's K-9 unit is now an award-winning K-9 unit.

Ron, the department's police dog, and handler Patrolman Tom Borton returned on Sunday from the K-9 Olympics in Muncie, Ind., where they placed second in the detection-narcotics-luggage division of the competition.

The pair came in 23rd overall in the competition, which drew 52 K-9 pairs from around the U.S.

Ron, a 2 1/2-year-old German shepherd, has been with the police department for a year and a half. He accompanies Borton on calls and rides in a special K-9 cruiser.

Sharpsville Cub Scouts paid the $200 admission fee to the K-9 Olympics. The money was left over from a fund-raiser last fall in which the Scouts raised money to buy Ron a bullet-proof vest.

The Muncie Police Department and Vohne Liche Kennels co-sponsored the May 2-4 event, Borton said.

This was the first time Borton and Ron competed in the K-9 Olympics but Borton said he plans to return next year.

Besides detection-narcotics-luggage, competition areas included an obedience course, an obstacle course, control work and tracking.

For the detection work, Ron had two scenarios: one in which he had to search six vehicles and one in which he searched two buildings. His second-place win came in the building search, Borton said.

"It was a fun learning experience, and it was very nice working with other K-9 handlers and other policemen," Borton said.

K-9 units from the Pentagon and other federal departments also attended the K-9 Olympics, Borton said.

"It was fun talking to them and meeting them, especially the guys from the Pentagon," he said. "One of the handlers was working on Sept. 11."

To keep their skills up-to-date, Ron and Borton go to training once a month at Tri-State K-9 in Howland, Ohio.

"We're thankful that the police chief and council give us the time to train every month ... we wouldn't get as far as we do without all the training we get," Borton said.

Sharpsville Police Chief Bruce Rosa said Ron's performance is due to Borton's hard work.

"That dog's success is directly attributed to the work and the effort that Tom puts into it," Rosa said.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Erin Remai at

eremai@sharon-herald.com.