Kane County gets grant to replace retiring K-9

As one of only a handful of area departments with explosive detection K-9 units, the Kane County Sheriff's Department had begun the search for a replacement for Gino, a five-year veteran of the force who is set for retirement.

A $10,000 grant from the Spirit of Blue Foundation given to Sheriff Pat Perez during a ceremony Monday in St. Charles will make the transition a lot easier.

The Spirit of Blue Foundation, along with Planet Dog, will provide the funds that will be applied to the purchase and training of a new explosive detection K-9 in the next few months as Gino's time on the job winds down.

Gino, an 8-year-old German shepherd born in Hungary, is retiring. "It will be an adjustment for both of us," his handler, Deputy Bill Gatske said. "He'll be happy he can finally sit on the couch."

Gino, one of five dogs with the department, is a multipurpose patrol K-9 certified in explosive detection, tracking suspects and lost people, building searches, evidence recovery, apprehensions and handler protection. In addition to working situations in Kane County the dogs are frequently asked to help in neighboring areas for large events such as the Chicago Marathon.

Ryan Smith, the Spirit of Blue Foundation executive director, said this is the first grant they've given out for a dog. The nonprofit raises funds for safety equipment grants for agencies nationwide.