Situated in front of a Benton County Sheriff’s Office vehicle at Philomath City Park, Deputy Aaron Gevatosky sees a consistent stream of community members stopping by to get a look at his K-9 partner, Manny.
Some initially hesitate, especially young children, but that quickly melts into excitement. For Gevatosky, a 17-year BCSO veteran, moments like those represent something vital that often gets lost in the daily grind of law enforcement.
“There’s no reason to be afraid to approach us and that’s why I think these events right here are great,” Gevatosky said during Tuesday’s National Night Out celebration. “Because they can come and see us outside of what you think we’re doing.”
Manny, certified just three months ago, represents a fresh start for Gevatosky, who spent eight years working with his previous K-9 partner, Brutus, attending countless similar gatherings throughout Benton County…