SRT Chief Doug Baker said the K9s have been a “ great asset ” to both their agency and the community — and other communities , as it turns out .
“ They ’ re an asset that we utilize all the time ( with ) law enforcement , search and rescue , and not just here ,” he said . “ Our dogs are usually called to anywhere in this part of the state . They go out of the county quite a bit .”
Baker added that the dogs are indeed learning new tricks — in a sense .
“ They ’ re continuing their education ,” he said . “ Steve has got them in some classes now with ( Kentucky Emergency Management ), getting them some more certifications . There ’ s a lot of difference in dog certifications , as we ’ ve found out , and they ’ re trained , but we ’ re continuing that to get them more to the state level , on what the state wants to see them be .”
Baker said that so far , the vests have meant added security for the dogs , as well as their handler , and greater peace of mind .
“ We hope the vests are never used ,” said Baker , “ but we do assist law enforcement a lot . ... Any time you ’ re out , you never know ( what can happen ) so it gives everybody a little peace of mind knowing that they do have some protection .”
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