KEYSTONE, SD- An explosives detecting canine has joined the team at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Aba, a seventeen-month old German Shepherd from the Czech Republic, completed her training at the end of April and was recently introduced to her new duty station at the Memorial.
Her trainer and handler is Duane Grego, a Law Enforcement Park Ranger at Mount Rushmore. Grego spent three weeks at a Canine Training Academy in Denver, Indiana and became acquainted with his new co-worker. He is excited about his four-legged partner, "
Aba is an extremely intelligent dog, with an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm. She is all business, but also has a gentle and playful side, with a wonderful personality. She’s adapted very well to her surroundings and seems right at home," said Grego.
Aba will be responsible for the detection of explosives within the Memorial. Her services will also be available as a resource to any federal or state agency in South Dakota in need of explosive detection assistance. In addition, Aba is also a human tracker and will be able to assist in searches for missing persons. Aba is the fourth explosives detecting dog that has been assigned to the Memorial, with the previous three being retired.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
