For the first time in almost 25 years, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office will include a K9 program.
Sheriff Jeff Crooks made the announcement in a department Facebook post, noting it’s also been three years since there was a K9 working in the county. The post says, “the sheriff’s office has recognized a need for the agency to better serve the citizens and visitors of Floyd County. After much research, over the last year, the Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce that it has decided to pursue a K9 program. We believe this to be an essential tool for the Avenue of the Saints corridor along with our rural roads and communities.”
Having a K9 program will assist deputies with article and evidence searches, building searches, tracking (both fugitive as well as lost persons), fugitive apprehension, search warrants and narcotics detection. The K9 team will also participate in educational programs for civic groups, schools, businesses, and organizations.
Deputy Luke Chatfield has been selected as the K9 handler and the sheriff’s office anticipates he will begin training yet this year or early in 2023.
Because the current Sheriff’s Office budget will not support the initial start-up of the program, estimated at $30,000, a fundraising effort is underway to cover the costs of the K9, training/certification for the K9 team, and essential equipment including vehicle upfit.
