Small towns across the US no longer feel Police Dogs are a big city indulgence.
On March 5th, K9 Handler Keith Denton and Leza were recognized by Chief Herring, Town Council, and other members of the (Holly Springs) community at K9 Leza’s retirement ceremony. K9 Leza has been a member of the department for almost 10 years, and will enjoy retirement living with officer Denton and his family.
photo courtesy of Holly Springs Police Department on Facebook
Even with the hefty cost of $10,000 or more for a fully trained police dog more small towns are finding a way to have a K9 officer on their force. While budgets are being cut and every single man hour counts having a police dog that can track suspects, find drugs, and perform search and rescue functions can literally save a small force hundreds of man hours. The best part is that once the dogs are purchased which a Police or Sheriffs Office can generally do with grants or special funds from big companies they don’t have to pay the Police Dogs at least not in dollars and cents.
The Police Dogs get paid in toys and treats and one on one time with their handlers for a job well done. Community members are more then happy to deliver bags of dog food and the local vet will generally care for the dog for no cost or a very reduced cost. And in case of emergency situations community fundraisers kick into high gear to help Police Dogs in trouble. Plus the dogs generally live with their handlers so no special housing has to be provided for the dog. There is the cost of a more specialized vehicle one that as a fan / ac system that stays on even when the vehicle is turned off but the cost is minimal.
Police Dogs are a big draw for children and they are often brought out to local fairs to show families the sort of work they do on a regular basis. Children love what the dogs can do and it helps the police officers gain the trust of local children. And in situations where it is children that are missing they generally respond better to the dogs finding them.
“Using a dog in certain situations is such a time-saver, and that translates into money,” said Sgt. Chris Poston, an officer in the town of Holly Springs’ four-member canine unit. “Things that would take many man-hours, the dogs can do much more quickly and more safely than a human. When you have an asset that works that well, and gets paid with a rubber ball and dog food, that’s pretty economical versus a human being.”
Yayyyyyyyy for worker dogs!