An area law-enforcement officer has announced his department will be getting its first K9 in a quarter of a century.

According to a release from Pettis County Sheriff Brad Anders, after 25 years, the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office will soon have its very own dual-purpose narcotics K9.

Anders says law-enforcement officers have long recognized the benefit of utilizing police K9 partners in numerous law-enforcement efforts. K9 partners are adept at locating illicit substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, while possessing the ability to track criminal suspects, apprehend those engaged in felonious behavior and locate discarded articles.

The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office has procured monies fully funded through the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund (LERF) to purchase the K9 from a kennel in Tennessee. This purchase will take place within the next week, along with the purchase of requisite equipment such as a vehicle kennel, eco-control kit and door popper. The PettisCounty LERF Board voted unanimously to fund this purchase.

Deputy Jimmy Moore has been selected as the police dog’s handler.

Anders says “Special thanks go to Pettis County Prosecutor Phillip Sawyer and the member of the Pettis County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund board. The PCSO continues to make excellent strides forward, and I am blessed to be a part of it.”

Anders adds, “The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office will be seeking funds for a second K9 within the next 12 months.