Adding a K9 Unit to a department is not a cheap feat. As previously mentioned, the acquisition of this dog had been in the works for some time. Then, in an incredible act of generosity, a business owner who wishes to remain anonymous donated the funds needed to purchase the actual dog. From there, other individuals and organizations chipped in, making it possible to do things like purchase the safe and ethical kind of cage needed for keeping a dog in a vehicle (the cage alone costs $7500). Here is where the American Legion stepped up. In an informal sort-of “get to know you” gathering at the Legion on Saturday, March 25, the organization donated a check for $2500, with Dep. Phillips, Sheriff Adams, and K9 Officer Ice there to gratefully accept. Tara Imhoff said of the donation, “The money we make here at the Legion all goes back into our vets and back into the community. I think this is one of the best ways we can support our community.” Imhoff also noted that in 2022, they donated just over $44,000 total, and that they were happy to be able to put this donation where it was needed. The group got to spend some time with Dep. Phillips and Ice, who is originally from the Netherlands. He responds to commands in Danish, something that Dep. Phillips is having to learn along with the rest of what can be a very physically and emotionally challenging duty. “He’s already really good at this,” Phillips said, laughing and nodding to Ice beside him. “This training is more for me.” While there are still items on a wish list for Ice–a bullet proof vest, for example–the duo is expected to complete training in roughly three weeks from this publication, and Dep. Phillips says they are doing well.
