Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 133 No. 2 Winter 2011-2012 | Page 16

Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. It gives communities
and schools the opportunity to take a stand through education and personal commitment to live drug
free. Red Ribbon Week also commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique
Camarena, who died while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.
Typically, events are held during the last full week of October. At WSD events occurred on two separate
days. Coordinator and teacher, Joan Armfield had arranged for two presentations. The first presentation
was held on Tuesday, October 25th. Deputy Bob Wierenga of the Walworth County Sherriff’s Department
brought Dutch Shepherd, “Argos”, to WSD. The deputy told the entire student body about Argos and his
training. He explained that Argos would be retiring at the end of 2011 after 10 years of faithful service. In
anticipation of this retirement, Deputy Wierenga has been training Argos’ son everyday for the past two
years, to take Argos’s place this coming January.
The Walworth County Canine Unit uses these very specially trained dogs for several reasons. They are
used to help find missing children, to assist in apprehending adults who are running from law enforcement.
They are often requested in locker and vehicle searches on school grounds.
Deputy Wierenga demonstrated how Argos was trained and the many hours of training all dogs in canine
units are given. The Walworth County Canine Unit has been in existence since 1989.
A second presentation was held on Monday, November 14th for middle and high school students. Sergeant
Jeff Patek from Walworth Co [