Stephenson County Sheriff's Office names first female K-9 officer
FREEPORT — History has been made in Stephenson County after the sheriff's office named its first female K-9 officer.
Dakota resident Rachel Clay recently finished her six-week training course in Michigan alongside her K-9 partner, Ralf. Clay said becoming a K-9 officer was an easy decision.
“I love dogs,” Clay said. “Being able to work with the K-9 unit is another step in my evolving career."
Clay said when it comes to being a K-9 handler, it comes down to trust between dog and officer. She said she is happy to have learned the skill set to add an extra layer to her first responder career choice.
“I graduated with another skill to be part of law enforcement,” Clay said. “Working a dog gets my brain going. A K-9 is like working with a person. Ralf is like a tracking machine, and essentially a work of art. Ralf and I blend well.”
Move over, slow down: Men and women of law enforcement deserve our support
Clay graduated from Highland Community College in the fall of 2016 before graduating with a degree in criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She joined the sheriff's office in 2018.
Stephenson County Sheriff David Snyders said he's excited to add another valuable asset to the department.
“Deputy Clay likes dogs, and I am pleased she accepted the job,” Snyders said. “She and Ralf hit it off, and her further training is such an asset to the department. K-9 units are valuable tools for law enforcement. Our K-9 units have assisted the City of Freeport and the Illinois State Police.”
The sheriff's office now has two K-9 officer teams, both of which were brought in through community donations.
Andy Carrigan: acarrigan@rrstar.com, @AndyCarriganRRS
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Rachel Clay named first female K-9 officer for Stephenson County
