A Lake County sheriff’s K9 officer proved he was the top dog at a national competition last month in Indiana.
Explosive detection K9 Boomer and Deputy Brian Kilpatrick competed in the 20th Annual Vohne Liche Kennels Certification and Trials, also known as the “K9 Olympics,” the Lake County sheriff’s office said.
The contest, which ran from Aug. 18 to Aug. 23rd, tests a K9 and their handler’s skills in explosive detection and patrol work, the sheriff’s office said. They are evaluated and scored on their ability to complete timed scenarios.
K9 Boomer placed first in explosive door bottoms, explosive warehouse, explosive buildings, overall K9 and overall K9 team, the sheriff’s office said. He placed third in a Scentlogix detection event.
“We are so proud of explosive detection canine Boomer and his partner, Deputy Brian Kilpatrick,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “Lake County is very fortunate to have this amazing explosive detection canine team right here in the county.”
Canine teams from state and local police, sheriff’s offices, private contractors and as far away as Brazil participated in the event.