'K9s United' hosts specialized training, fundraiser memorial run

Nearly 50 K-9 law enforcement teams and Emergency Medical Services professionals recently traveled to East Tennessee for a canine crime fighter and medial training seminar.

K9s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for and supporting K-9 law enforcement officers, hosted the free four-day training seminar at the University of Tennessee’s BHREM Animal Science Building in Knoxville, a press release said.

“Our mission is rooted in the belief that the contributions of working K-9s is essential to create safer communities,” K9s United Founder and CEO Debbie Johnson said.

“Knoxville serves as the perfect area for neighboring agencies to participate in this crucial training as we continue to support and empower K-9 units across the country to ensure they have the resources, support and training they need most in the field.”

Specialized training

Designed to ensure local and regional K-9 units and EMS professionals receive the highest level of customized training available, the training seminar helps develop trainees’ problem-solving and animal care practices necessary to protect and serve their communities, the release continued.

The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office — and 14 other agencies in Tennessee — attended the training seminar among others from Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia.

Attendees were provided training and education on emergency veterinary care techniques; human detection; criminal apprehension techniques and scenario-based training; odor and narcotics/explosive detection; basic to advanced obedience training and materials necessary to build first aid kits.

K9s United’s specialized first aid training features a 70-pound canine manikin that resembles a Belgian Malinois police dog in almost every way, including a life-like simulation that demonstrates how a real injured working dog may bark, bleed and breathe in the field.

Participation in hands-on scenarios like this educates trainees on a dog’s anatomy, combat and environmental injuries, treatment protocols and other life-saving techniques K-9s may require in a moment’s notice, helping handlers and K-9s get home safely, the release said.

Changing legislation

Outside of training seminars, K9s United actively advocates for legislation, ensuring that K-9 law enforcement officers are provided full protection under the law.

In recent years it has successfully championed two bills into Florida law that help protect and serve working dogs, the release said.

The "Fang Memorial Bill" was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2019, following the tragic death of K9 Fang with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the release said.

It created harsher penalties for criminals in the state of Florida who harm law enforcement canines, fire, search-and-rescue dogs and mounted patrol units.

Killing a law enforcement canine in the line-of-duty was upgraded to a second-degree felony thanks to the bill and the maximum penalties were tripled, carrying up to 15 years in state prison and up to a $15,000 fine.

Tennessee legislators enacted a similar law in the last year as well.

Effective as of July 1, 2022, Joker's Law revises the offense of knowingly and unlawfully killing a police dog, fire dog, search and rescue dog, service animal or police horse without the owner's effective consent in Tennessee.

A violation of the Joker’s Law is now a Class B felony, carrying sentences of no less than eight years and no more than 30 years in a state prison. A jury may also give a fine of no more than $25,000, according to FelonyGuide.

K9s’ 9-K

Law enforcement agencies often lack the funding needed to provide K-9 units with resources like advanced training, kennels and equipment such as vehicle heat alarms and door poppers, canine emergency kits and bulletproof vests, the release said.

But K9s United works to fill that void through community and corporate support.

Every dollar donated allows the organization to educate, train and provide vital equipment and services to K-9 teams, the release said.

Looking for a way to get involved?

K9s United will host its 4th annual virtual Fallen K9 Memorial Run on National Police K-9 Day on Sept. 1.

The run is held each year to honor working K-9s who lost their lives in the line of duty and celebrate those who continue to serve and protect their communities.

Everyone is encouraged to sign-up and virtually join the 9K, 5K or one-mile fun run in support of “four-legged crime fighters”, the release said.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.k9sunited.org/events.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 'K9s United' hosts specialized training, fundraiser memorial run