Winfield’s new K-9 officer, Kessy, took some time to meet with the local media Thursday afternoon. We can report that the two-year old Belgian Malinois is very, very friendly.
The dog – which can sniff out narcotics and help track people – cost just over $10,000 to purchase and train. She will serve for at least five years, at which point her performance and health are evaluated, according to her trainer, officer Eric Jarvis.
The department has also purchased a Chevy Tahoe that will become the new K-9 transport vehicle. Kessy – pronounced "key see" – has already made plenty of friends at the Winfield Police Department.
On her first day she made her first pot bust.
Kessy lives with Jarvis full time and is kept away from his family’s other pets.
"I’m the only one that feeds her and gives her commands," he said.
Kessy can search vehicles, residences and even school lockers, for narcotics.