Over the next few days, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest stories in our area for 2024, in no particular order.
First out the gate for me is that several law enforcement agencies made additions to their K9 teams, while also experiencing the retirement of some of their most dedicated K9 partners in 2024.
On March 13th, the Logan County Sheriff’s Department introduced a new officer—K9 Tega. At 18 months old, Tega quickly made an impact with her handler, Deputy Josh Core. After more than 300 hours of training and certifications, Tega has been actively working with Core, assisting in many incidents, including 12 in her first 6 weeks. Though playful and affectionate in her downtime, Tega is focused and fierce when it’s time to work. She was generously donated to the department by Talerie Brown from Old Stage Kennels in Waynesville, Ohio, with a value of over $8,000. A new vehicle, equipped with state-of-the-art gear, was purchased to assist Core and Tega. This vehicle has been outfitted by Protection4Paws Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing lifesaving equipment to K9 teams. Core and Tega continue to attend weekly training to enhance their skills. The Sheriff’s Office keeps Tega in the spotlight on Friday, affectionately calling the day, “Fur Missle Friday”. Posts always feature a photo of Tega and keep her fans in the loop as to what she’s been doing.
On May 13th, after nearly five years of service, K9 Bruno retired from the Washington Township Police Department. K9 Bruno played an instrumental role in narcotics detection, apprehensions, and tracking operations across Logan and surrounding counties. His retirement was a result of the passage of Issue 2, which legalized recreational marijuana in Ohio. Washington Township Police will continue its K9 program with the addition of K9 Hondo. Chief Michael Thompson expressed gratitude for Bruno’s service, noting, “We will miss K9 Bruno and wish him nothing but the best in retirement! Bruno will live his retirement out with the Thompson family.”
Further strengthening the Washington Township Police Department’s K9 unit, Officer Logan Miller and K9 Hondo completed their Ohio Police Officer Training Academy and National Association of Professional Canine Handlers certifications on May 18th. K9 Hondo, a chocolate lab born in Croatia, was selected to be the department’s new K9 after an extensive selection process. Officer Miller and K9 Hondo completed six weeks of training, earning certifications in narcotics detection, tracking, article searches, and obedience. K9 Hondo is primarily assigned to Officer Miller as the Indian Lake School Resource Officer, with additional duties during road patrol in the summer months.
On June 13th, Officer Jerrod Hostetler and K9 Pyro, a two-year-old German Shepherd from Czechoslovakia, completed their state certification as a K9 team. Pyro is the first German Shepherd to join the Bellefontaine Police Department’s K9 unit. As a dual-purpose patrol dog, Pyro will assist in narcotics detection and apprehensions. This new partnership follows the retirement of Officer Hostetler’s previous partner, Boodik, who retired in April.
K9 Ice, a local male German Shepherd born in December 2022, also recently joined the DeGraff Police Department. On May 20th, Chief Terry Brentlinger and K9 Ice completed their Ohio Police Officer Training Academy and National Association of Professional Canine Handlers certifications. Over the course of six weeks of training, K9 Ice became certified in narcotics detection, tracking, article searches, building searches, and suspect apprehension. The department received grants to fund K9 Ice’s training and equipment, making it a cost-effective addition to the department’s efforts to improve public safety.
Whether in tracking down criminals or participating in community events, these K9s and their handlers are essential to the ongoing fight against crime and the promotion of safety in local communities.
