The new Howard County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) K9 Unit is ready for action.
A HCSO Facebook post has announced that K9, Legend, and his handler, Deputy Ben Hillyer, recently completed their four-week training course to become a certified team to begin working together. The message also notes, “This wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous support from our community and surrounding area and businesses, we appreciate you!”
They are also still accepting donations to get all the necessary equipment for their K9 unit. If you have any questions or wish to donate, stop by the sheriff’s office or contact either Sheriff Rick Busch or Deputy Ben Hillyer. ([email protected] or [email protected])
Much like the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), HCSO is resuming its own K9 team after a some 25-year absence and having to borrow K9s from neighboring counties for drug investigations during that time. However, a rise in drug trafficking along Highway 63 through Howard County over the past decade has brought about the need to have their own K9 unit.
HCSO also notes that a rise in burglaries has been linked to individuals with drug addiction.
FCSO relaunched its own K9 unit in October 2022 when they added K9, Sirius, handled by Deputy Luke Chatfield.
The New Hampton Police Department is also in the process of raising funds for its own K9 unit, which Chief Conrad Rosendahl says will begin training this August. Officer Darby Stone will be the dog’s handler.
