Legend making a statement at Sheriff's Department

 

 CRESCO - The Howard County Sheriff’s Department is learning quickly how valuable it is to have a “Legend” on their team.

Sheriff Rick Busch says the department’s first K-9 officer. Legend, has already made a number of drug busts since he joined the force on April 4 under the command of Deputy Ben Hillyer. 

“This dog is an exceptional dog,” the sheriff said, noting the K-9 sniffed out drugs from one vehicle that was not only in a sealed plastic bag, but also inside a safe inside the trunk. He’s helped make numerous drug busts, including sniffing out methamphetamines.

Sheriff Busch said the trained German Shepherd was a big investment, but is making a difference as one of only two such police dogs in the county, the other playing a role in the Cresco Police Department.

He said fundraising to purchase between $8,000-$10,000 in food and necessities the department needs for the K-9 has gone well, including one major donation that the Sheriff said was substantial, helping them purchase a “Full Kennel” unit, replacing a back seat inside the deputy’s Chevy Tahoe, making it not only a safe ride for Legend, but a safe ride for the driver. It includes a special high tech release button on the deputy’s belt that will unlock the kennel and doors to the vehicle, allowing the dog to protect the officer should he get in a difficult situation or spend more time than he figured on a call, keeping the dog from overheating in a stalled squad car.

The sheriff said the community has shown to be “incredibly gracious” in an outpouring of support for Legend, nearly reaching their goal as of last week for the K-9 that can do all kinds of tasks, from sniffing out drugs to protecting officers, tracking criminals and even apprehending suspects.

Sheriff Busch said it’s likely local residents won’t see Legend at a public event, noting it will take some time for the dog to adjust to being around the public. “This is a working animal. It’s not like family pet,” he said. 

Anyone still interested in making a donation in support of the K-9 is asked to contact the Howard County Sheriff’s Department.