Police Department Welcomes First K-9 Officer to Duty

The Mount Carmel Police Department officially welcomed its first K-9 unit to active duty on October 20, introducing K-9 Officer Kilo.

Kilo, a specially trained police dog, will assist in a wide range of law enforcement duties including narcotics detection, suspect tracking, and search-and-rescue operations. His arrival marks a significant enhancement to the department’s capabilities and reflects its ongoing commitment to public safety and modern policing.

Police Chief David Larson praised the new unit, stating, “Kilo and his handler represent the best of our department’s dedication to protecting and serving Mount Carmel. We’re proud to have them on duty and look forward to the positive impact they’ll make.”

Kilo’s addition to the  Department was made possible through a grant from the Jireh K-9 Training Academy in San Antonio, Texas. As part of their nationwide Police K-9 Grant Program, Jireh K-9 provides highly trained working dogs to law enforcement agencies at no cost—an immediate savings of over $9,500 per dog.

The grant supports departments facing budgetary constraints but with a critical need for K-9 units. Kilo underwent specialized training in narcotics detection and handler coordination ensuring a seamless integration into the department.