The Johnston Police Department recently announced the addition of a K-9 Unit to its force. This marks the first time in more than 12 years that a police canine has been deployed within the department, according to a press release from the department. The newest member of the team, K-9 Honza, is a one-year-old German Shepherd from the Czech Republic.
Honza and his handler, Officer Eli McGuire-Krueger, recently completed an intensive eight-week training program at the Rhode Island K-9 Academy, specializing in narcotics detection. Officer McGuire-Krueger, a four-year veteran of the department, was selected for this role after undergoing a competitive internal selection process.
The addition of K-9 Honza was made possible through funding obtained from opioid litigation funds administered by the Opioid Abatement Trust. The funding covered the upfront cost of the program which included equipment and the vehicle, which was outfitted accordingly for K-9 Honza, according to Captain Joseph A. McGinn. The full annual cost of the program was not available as of press time.
This initiative reflects the department’s commitment to enhance its capabilities in addressing the opioid crisis by improving our capabilities to detect and remove dangerous drugs from the streets. Honza will assist in locating and safely seizing drugs, helping create a safer drug-free environment for the community.
Looking ahead, K-9 Honza is scheduled to undergo additional patrol training this fall. This advanced training will expand his skillset to include assisting in the apprehension of dangerous or hidden offenders, locating missing persons, and recovering criminal evidence.
McGuire-Krueger expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. “Our training has prepared the both of us for the challenges we may face,” he said. “I look forward to seeing how Honza and I can contribute to the department’s efforts to fight drug trafficking and keep our community safe.”
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