Kokomo, IN – The Howard County Sheriff’s Office has received a national safety grant that allowed deputies to welcome a new police K9 into service this week.
According to a release from the sheriff’s office, the Spirit of Blue Foundation awarded the grant, which funded the purchase and training of K9 Kees, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. Kees was purchased from Ultimate Canine, LLC, and began work immediately.
The sheriff’s office reports that Kees proved valuable on his very first night on patrol, locating more than 60 grams of fentanyl during a traffic stop. Officials said the new K9 will assist deputies in protecting the community and enhancing officer safety.
The grant was supported through the efforts of Law Enforcement United, a nonprofit that raises funds for officer safety and honors fallen officers through an annual 250-mile memorial bicycle ride into Washington, D.C. Additional support came from Guardian Angel Devices, Sportsmen Organized for Law Enforcement, and the Renee & Gordon Graham Foundation.
“This grant exemplifies the Spirit of Blue’s mission to enhance officer safety and vitality by meeting vital safety equipment and training needs,” said Ryan T. Smith, executive director of the foundation. “We believe this K9 will not only provide tactical advantage but will serve as a trusted partner in keeping Howard County deputies and the community safe.”
