First, Yasko subdued a bad guy. 

Next, the German shepherd sniffed out narcotics. 

Finally, the Coeur d’Alene K-9 tracked down a suspect in a building. 

Pepper Smock was impressed with the professionalism and dedication he witnessed Wednesday afternoon but not surprised. 

“It’s what I expected,” said the owner/broker of Windermere Coeur d’Alene Realty. “Our citizens are safe in the hands of our Coeur d’Alene Police Department."

Smock donated $5,000 to the Coeur d’Alene police K-9 program and in turn, he and family members were treated to a tour of police headquarters on Schreiber Way followed by a demonstration with Yasko and his handler, officer Hayley Vestman. 

Yasko, born in Poland, is certified in apprehension and protection, tracking, evidence recovery and narcotic detection.  

Vestman started her law enforcement career in 2019 after serving five years in the U.S. Navy. She worked with the K-9 unit as a decoy for nearly two years before being selected as a handler in 2022.

“It's a rewarding job,” she told Smock and a crew that included kids and grandkids. 

Police Chief Lee White and Capt. Dave Hagar expressed appreciation for Smock’s donation.

“Having this connection with the community and support is amazing,” Hagar said. 

He said the funds will help the department's two K-9 units secure work gear they can’t fit into their normal budget.

“It keeps them top notch and allows us to protect our community,” Hagar said. 

White said Pepper Smock has long been a strong supporter of public safety. 

“He's been very generous in the past and we certainly appreciate his donation,” White said.

Vestman said police get dogs like Yasko when they are about 18 months old, and they serve about seven to nine years. 

Yasko put on a good show for Smock and family. He displayed fine form in forcing an officer wearing protective gear to stand still, then found about 4 grams of illegal drugs in a plastic bag in a refrigerator. He's found narcotics hidden in insulation, attics, stuffed in socks and gloves and under floorboards.  

When Yasko hits on a substance, his tail, usually high and wagging, drop and slows and he’ll sniff faster before stopping to indicate he's hit on something.

Whether sniffing out drugs or suspects, Yasko is good at his job, Vestman said, and doesn’t come away empty very often. 

“It's actually really hard to trick a dog with their nose,” she said. 

Pepper Smock also donated $5,000 to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office K-9 program last year.  

“I want to help the police in a tangible, real way," he said.

  Coeur d'Alene Police Office Hayley Vestman, joined by K9 Yasko, speaks to Pepper Smock and family during a demonstration on Wednesday.
  

  Coeur d'Alene Police Officer Hayley Vestman and K9 Yasko join Pepper Smock and family for a photo on Wednesday. From left, Jaiden Howard, Dallan Pope, Summer Pope, Anna Tesulov holding Rhodes Tesulov, Aron Tesulov and Greyson Tesulov, Amy Smock and Terry Olson, Duffy Smock, Jennifer Smock, Avery Tesulov and Pepper Smock.