Lake County getting first explosive detection dog

Lake County will receive its first explosive detection police dog through funding from an animal charity's donation, Lake County Sheriff's officials announced Thursday.

Undersheriff Raymond J. Rose said Libertyville-based D.A.S. Charitable Fund for the Preservation of Feline Animal Life has provided $34,413 for the purchase and training of the dog. The animal is expected to start working this year and will become the fourth member of the sheriff's office canine unit.

Rose said the sheriff's office will discuss where to purchase the canine and soon seek deputies interested in becoming a handler. He said the specially trained handler and canine would be available to all Lake County police agencies.

"This is an important resource for us, as there are no explosive detection dogs in Lake County," Rose said.

Today's society dictates that Lake County be prepared for any criminal activity, Rose said. Active shooter situations in schools, courthouse threats and workplace incidents typically involve explosive devices, he added.

Early in 2015, the sheriff's canine unit was developed with Dex, Diesel and Duke coming on board for search and tracking purposes, Rose said. In addition to duties for the sheriff's office in unincorporated Lake County, the dogs assisted several municipal police departments last year.

Separately, the three police dogs will receive donated vests valued at about $6,000. Dax, Diesel and Duke are expected to receive the bullet and stab protective vests in the next eight to 10 weeks, officials said. The protection will be donated by the nonprofit Vested Interest in K-9s Inc., officials said

"The safety and security of our animals is important," Rose said.

Each of the Lake County dogs' vests will be embroidered the following: "In memory of K-9 Rocco Pittsburgh Bureau of Police."

Rocco was an 8-year-old German shepherd performing patrol and gun work when he died in the line of duty in January 2014, according to Pittsburgh police. The dog was stabbed to death by a criminal suspect.

Dogs actively employed in the United States in law enforcement or related agencies - with proper certification and at least 20 months old - are eligible for donations from Vested Interest in K-9s. The vests are valued at $1,795 to $2,234 and come with a five-year warranty, according to the organization.