#1

Hello Marc, My name is Charles Brugnola and I was stationed at Clark (E-3) from February 1970 to February 1971.
It was great finding your site. It brought many many good memories. In 1969 the Air Force tested a new concept in K-9s called "Patrol Dogs". Up to that time all they had were the sentry dogs. The sentry dog was not friendly, was used only in isolated areas, and had to be muzzled when ever it came near other dogs.
Three bases were involved, 10 airman from each base, 5 were sentry dog handlers (with their current sentry dogs), and 5 were "green" handlers with new untrained dogs (I was one of the "green" handlers).
We trained at Lackland for 14 weeks with the assistance of the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department K-9 unit. We then returned to our bases, mine being Davis-Monthan in Tucson,AZ.
The trial period lasted 1 year, and it turned out to be a huge success. Shortly after the trial period, I received an assignment to Clark (my last duty station). When I went to get a dog, the training Sgt laughed at the concept of a patrol dog, "The only good dog is a sentry dog!".
It was obvious that he resented this concept being forced upon him by the brass. Not knowing it at the time, the Sgt had made up his mind to embarrass me and the whole concept of converting "his" sentry dogs to Patrol Dogs. He assigned me a dog named Imp.
As soon as some fellow K-9 handlers found out about the assignment they were surprised and cautioned me. They said Imp was crazy. The most viscous unstable dog in the Kennel! I thought they were messing with my head (even my fellow K-9 handlers (sentry dog) ridiculed the idea of "Patrol Dogs", but at least they cared about my safety!).
It took me 2 days to get a leash on Imp. While I sat in front of his indoor kennel, talking to him, he sat in the back corner rigidly staring at me. He was scary! Once I had him on leash, every command I gave him he growled at me. On several occasions he turned on me attempting to rip me apart. But I didn't give up. I kept working with him for almost 6 weeks, when he finally came around.
Before long I was working money escorts and other "patrol dog" assignments. The transformation was a success.
Several months later, I had taken Imp to Vets for a visit. While the Doctor was in with Imp, I noticed his file siting on the Doctors desk. Across the front of the file, in red lettering, was the statement, " This dog has exhibited psychotic behavior, handle with caution!".
To say the least I was shocked. My fellow handlers were not kidding me! That son a bitch Sgt. really did try to sabotage me and the Patrol Dog concept.

After the Air Force I joined a police department and started their first K-9 program, which went on to be a Hugh success.
I am now retired from police work and train dogs professionally. I am also involved in volunteer work called Animal-Assisted-Therapy. I have two German Shepherds that are certified to visit convalescent homes, hospitals, battered women shelters etc.
Right now I am making visits to the California Veterans Home in Barstow,CA. Anyways, feel free to post the picture on your site. You have a great web site, keep up the good work. Charles Brugnola