THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 21, 1994 TAG: 9408190239
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
State Trooper David ``Sammy'' Carr probably never thought he'd be fighting crime with a burly, black dog as his partner.
But Carr and sidekick, Rommel, a 100-pound Rottweiler named after the German field marshal Erwin Rommel, are both recent graduates of the patrol dog program of the State Police Academy.
``It's fascinating to see the dog work,'' Carr said. ``It's what you've trained for, and you like to see what your dog's going to do.''
But it took a while for the two to get ``adjusted'' to each other. Rommel sometimes has a mind of his own.
Like his namesake, Rommel, 18 months old, likes the leadership position. And in fact, the dog has tried to lead Carr a time or two. And the result was not good for Rommel. Carr said he had to teach the dog he was the boss, holding him to the ground until the dog broke eye contact with Carr.
``He still tries me at times, and I still correct him,'' Carr said. ``But our affection for each other is growing, and we're learning each other.''
Carr said the dog school at the academy is one of the hardest schools he's ever been through.
``It's physically demanding and mentally stressful,'' he said, ``because you see what the dog's supposed to be doing and realize he isn't doing it, and then you find out it's not the dog, it's you. You weren't doing something right.''
Carr said Rommel has aided in 13 tracking attempts since May 20. In the most recent, Rommel tracked a burglary suspect right to his home.
``He has no bites,'' Carr said. ``We don't want to have to use the bite, if we don't have to.''
Carr said when Rommel does a good job, he is rewarded with praise.
``And he does love praise,'' Carr said.
Name: David Samuel Carr.
What brought you to the Suffolk area: I was born here.
Hometown: Community of Black Creek.
Birthdate: April 29, 1954.
Nickname: Sammy.
Occupation: Virginia State Trooper.
Marital Status: Married to Amy.
Children: Two.
Favorite movies: ``The Greatest Story Ever Told.''
Favorite magazine: ``Trooper.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? The holy Bible. They would be pointed in the right direction.
Favorite night out on the town: Taking my wife out for dinner and dancing.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Applebee's.
Favorite food and drink: Steamed shrimp.
Few people know ... that I had shoulder-length hair and raced motorcycles when I was a teenager.
What's the best thing about yourself? I have compassion for the underdog.
Worst habit: I procrastinate on my household chores.
First thing in the morning: I brush my teeth.
Pets: Foxy, my dog.
Hobbies: Playing tennis with my wife.
Ideal vacation: A quiet week at the beach reading a book.
Pet peeve: The importance placed on paperwork.
First job: Farmer.
Worst job: Cleaning a hog house.
What achievements are you most proud of? Being married for 19 years and being a state trooper.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``He enjoyed life.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
David "Sammy" Carr
by CNB