(Estherville)– Estherville Police Chief Eric Milburn says his department is in the market for a new K9 Unit, and that fundraising efforts for a replacement for Max, its most recent K9, are underway.
Max recently passed away due to a blood-related disorder.
Milburn says the statistics are direct proof of the need for another K9, pointing out that in the past the unit assisted in the confiscation of $59,000 in illegal drugs, $3,500 in cash from suspected drug dealers and two vehicle confiscations.
Milburn says K9 Officer Matt Reineke has selected a 15-month-old yellow Labrador retriever, also named “Max”, as the replacement. The dog is currently in training.
He says the new K-9 will not be an apprehension type police dog, but instead will be used on the streets and throughout the community. The dog will be trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking of suspects or lost individuals, and article searches.
Any organization of the Estherville community interested in having a presentation on the K-9 program should contact the Estherville Police Department.
Donations for the new K-9 may also be sent to the department at 114 North 6th Street Suite 1, Estherville, Ia…51334.
