Youngsville Welcomes First Police K9 Officer

Youngsville, PA — The Youngsville Borough Police Department has added its first K9 unit, a move officials say will strengthen public safety efforts across Warren County and improve community engagement.

Youngsville was selected to establish the unit in part because of its central location in the county, allowing officers to quickly assist neighboring departments.

“We were the first department that was ready to take it on at this point,” Chief Todd Mineweaser said. “So the other agencies and chiefs, and Sheriff Neiswonger were very supportive of us and said let’s get this done.”

Patrolman Mitch Labesky, Mimi’s handler, said the new unit will allow the small borough department to expand its reach. “Youngsville being a small borough, some people might say why do they have a K9 unit,” Labesky said. “But when we are looking at different type of issues in the community, especially drugs, we are able to go out quickly to assist other agencies.”

K9 Mimi, a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, is certified in narcotics detection, tracking and article recovery. While assigned to Youngsville, she is also available to assist surrounding agencies and counties.

“She is stationed here in Youngsville, but we are also able to go out to the surrounding agencies and counties, and assist them with any other types of stops,” Labesky said. “We have had her here for only a few months and have already utilized her to help out with several cases in the surrounding community.”

Mimi has already been deployed on several missions, assisting both Youngsville police and the Warren County Drug Task Force. Officers say they are very excited to have the addition to the force and are looking forward to utilizing K9 Mimi for narcotics detection and community outreach efforts.

“A good narcotics dog is an asset,” Mineweaser said. “Not only are we going to catch people who are coming through here with drugs, but it’s going to deter people from wanting to come through here and that really is a key factor; deterring crime.”

Mimi was obtained from Shallow Creek Kennels with the help of community donations, taxpayer contributions and grant funding.

In addition to enforcement duties, officers say she will participate in community outreach programs, giving residents an opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a positive setting.