New Canine Designed to Keep Local Schools Safe

Students at have come to know Goldie as she has dropped in for visits at both campuses. A detection dog from Interquest Detection Canines, the purpose of Goldie is one of prevention.

"We've got a good high school here and we have been brought in to make sure it stays that way," Glenn Vandeboncoeur said.

He brought Goldie to the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce meeting last week to demonstrate the dog's abilities.

"We use a lot of friendly breeds - Goldens, Labs, Springer Spaniels," Vandeboncoeur said.

The intention of the program is not intimidation.

"It's not a program of let's bring in the dogs and catch somebody," Vanderboncoeur said. "We realize the vast majority of kids are making good choices."

Goldie will be at this semester because Grundy County States Attorney John Bates paid for the service for that amount of time.

"I was more than happy to sponsor a semester of (Interquest) services," he said.

Schools in Morris and Coal City were already using the program.

Minooka Police Officer Andrea White, who serves as the school resource officer, played a role in getting Goldie to the local high school.

"I've seen the changes that it's made at Coal City High School and Morris High School," she said. "School is school and we want to keep it bully free, drug free and alcohol free."

The presentation at the chamber luncheon was to inform community members and also to alert business owners that sponsorships were available for future semesters at the school.