Kearney Police Department (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney city council approved the purchase of a new K9 unit for the Kearney Police Department during their meeting on Tuesday, March 25.
According to the City of Kearney, the Kearney Police Department (KPD) has deployed two police service dogs, or K9 units for the past six years.
One of the dogs recently retired and needs to be replaced. Blue Streak K9 LLC, of Jonesboro, Ark., can supply a suitable police service dog and has provided a purchase agreement in the amount of $13,500.00.
It was noted that a generous donation of the total amount from a local foundation will provide the funding for the purchase.
“Blue Streak K9 will provide a police service dog according to Kearney Police specifications with a suitable drive for training in narcotics detection, tracking/trailing, obedience, and criminal apprehension,” according to the City of Kearney.
The dogs go through a 120-hour handler course and it was noted the K9 unit will be either a Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd Dog.
The purchase of the K9 unit was a part of the consent agenda and approved along with five other items. Items on the consent agenda are considered routine.
