submitted by Corinne Philpott
The topic at the Hoosick Grange meeting on April 8 was ROUTE 7 – THE HEROIN HIGHWAY. We had plain clothes Drug Investigator, Art Hyde, and Sheriff Fire Investigator, Paul Davendonis. Hyde has worked for the Drug Enforcement Agency for 15 years. He showed us pictures of crack cocaine, and heroin in cellophane bags. [private]Each bag had a value of $25 and was uaually sold in bundles of $125. He told us that we would be surprised who uses it. He said doctors, lawyers, prostitutes, correction officers, electricians may be users, along with anyone who can afford to buy it.
Once people get on drugs they have to have it (chase the high) and will steal a steak or anything, a TV set, or rob chain stores to get the money for it. Many who use drugs started by drinking alcohol, smoking pot or marijuana, or cocaine on their way to heroin addiction.
Mr. Hyde told us of a typical day. When he goes to work the first thing he does is he checks the Tip Line. Rensselaer County Drug Tip Line is 270-0128. Anyone can call if they see a drug transaction. He said schools in the area are very cooperative.
Then we had Paul Davendonis the fire investigator. He talked about fires that he and his dog “Inferno” have worked on . He has investigated fires in Vermont and Troy and all around the area. He put 6 cups on the floor, one was marked with a pencil and a drop of alcohol on it, then he got the dog, a yellow Lab. The dog was so happy to see Paul, he ran around after being released, and knocked all the cups down and sat next to the one with the alcohol. The dog was right. He has done this 2677 times, all right. Dogs can smell 1000 times better than humans. Paul played with Inferno with a toy, and that is the dog’s reward. Paul gave the dog a command and he sat and Paul took the toy back. Everyone enjoyed the dog and Paul. The lecturer thanked both men, then they had refreshments provided by David Comell.
Our next meeting is on April 23, Grange Week. It’s a covered dish supper first at 7 pm. We will have award night and collect for the Food Closet.[/private]