AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council greenlit the expansion of the Police Department’s K9 units during a meeting Feb. 12.
Officer Kayla Franck advocated for the initiation of a Crisis K9 program, while Chief Brad Richmond presented the case for the continuation of the Narcotics K9 Program.
Franck’s proposal centered around the establishment of a Crisis K9 Program, aimed at enhancing community engagement and mental health support.
“One key aspect,” Franck noted, “is that a dog gets people talking.”
Leveraging the bond between humans and canines, the Crisis K9 Program seeks to provide critical incident mental health support, offering a compassionate presence to aid in restoring individuals’ equilibrium following distressing experiences.
Community engagement lies at the heart of the Crisis K9 initiative, with plans for demonstrations at schools and community events. These efforts, such as Sunset days and Shop with a First Responder, foster open dialogue and strengthen ties between law enforcement and the community. Additionally, the Crisis K9 team stands ready to assist Youth and Family Services (YES) officers during mental health crises and support victims of domestic or sexual violence.
The proposed K9, Tonks, a two-year-old Golden Retriever, has undergone AKC Good Citizen Testing and received extensive therapy dog training. With a gentle disposition and positive exposure to various environments, Tonks embodies the qualities necessary for effective crisis intervention.
The financial aspect of the program entails a total fiscal year 2024 cost of $7,850.000, with funding sourced from multiple avenues, including donations from local businesses, non-profit organizations, individual donors and grants.
The council’s unanimous approval of the Crisis K9 Program reflects the community’s recognition of its potential to positively impact mental health support and community engagement. Richmond also presented the case for the continuation of the Narcotics K9 Program. With the rise of fentanyl-related incidents in recent years, the Police Department emphasizes the program’s vital role in combating drug-related crimes.
Officer Clay Pierson’s extensive history with handling K9 Units was emphasized, as well as the fact that the current K9 Unit, Roy, is due to retire in April of this year.
The Spokane Tribe of Indians donated $85,000 some of which could be used for the K9 program.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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