Franklin Co. K-9 retirement and recruitment program gets strong support

FRANKLIN COUNTY (WSLS) - Teamwork is important in many areas of life but a K-9 officer will tell you that bond with your K-9 is as important as any you will develop on the job.

For the first time the Franklin County Sheriff's Department asked the community to support the K-9 program through a fundraiser. And the community answered with more than seven thousand dollars in donations for a cause that has grown over the years.

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Traditionally the program has been paid for by money from the county and asset forfeiture (money recovered when seized items are sold at auction or money that is recovered during drug investigations) but in addition to that a raffle this year has added even more financial support to the program that has several dogs who have recently retired or will retire soon.

Ex and Drac recently retired. When a K-9 retires he goes to live with his officer at home. For K-9's like Ex and Drac that retirement is a life of luxury because they, like any trained officer, put their lives on the line to protect their partner.

How much does a K-9 officer cost?

Seven years ago, Drac was seven thousand dollars. And now a K-9 officer can cost anywhere from eight thousand to twelve thousand dollars.

Sergeant Brandt Gawor explains, "We can't thank the community enough for the support we received through this year's raffle. This program is an important part of protecting the residents of Franklin County."

K-9 officers have many different roles. They are used to help find missing people, track drugs, protect their partner and more.

Deputy Riley Hodges explains what life is like in retirement for his K9s, "

Both dogs I have retired previously have got to live the life of just relaxing laying on the front porch.  Grandma comes by, my brothers come by and spoil them, my wife as well.  They get lots of milk bones and tummy rubs."