Newest member of Clarke Country Sheriff’s Office K9 Sky

Sky is a two-year-old female Belgian Malinois. She came to the United States from the Netherlands in November 2018 to begin her training at Canine Tactical in Chariton.

The sheriff’s office also has a new vehicle to safely transport Sky while she’s on duty with her handler Deputy Brian Akers. The new vehicle has a specialized K9 cage and proper safety equipment. Sky also will have her own customized bullistics vest contributed by a local business.

“Sky and I have finished an extensive training at Canine Tactical in Chariton and finished with a certification in tracking, patrol and narcotic detection,” said Akers. “We are excited to begin our service to the community after a long five weeks in training.”

Akers and Sky have also been doing sustainment training in Chariton. This training is one or two days a month for the duo and is not required for the program but is very benificial for them.

Akers and Sky have put in a lot of work to be ready for Sky to serve as the Clarke County Sheriff’s K9. Many other community members and businesses have also helped make it possible for the duo to work together.

Akers and the member of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and thank the following people and businesses for their extreme generosity and commitment to their community:

•East Side Auto

•Solutions

•Highway Lumber

•The Osceola Vet Clinic

•Wash and Weigh

•Rychnovsky Lawn and Landscape

•Snyder Plumbing

•Casey’s General Store

•Byerly Chiropractic

•American State Bank

•First National Bank of Osceola

•First National Bank of Creston/Afton

•Luce Construction

•Trent Denny Construction

•Saylor Reality

•K-D Tires

•Friday Insurance

•Iowa Select Farms

•Kimball & Associates

•Boyt Harness Company

•Altec

•Fleetside Ford

The following organizations contributed with grants awarded to the Clarke County Sheriff K9 Project:

•The South Central Iowa Community Foundation

•CCOPS

•The Clarke County Development Corporation

•Lakeside Casino and Resort

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Reserves contributed to the project with money from their own account which is a separate entity from the Sheriff’s Office.

Two private parties contributed to the project.

“This project would not have been possible without these great businesses and organizations,” said Akers.

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office K9 and the Sheriff’s Reserves are continuing to raise funds for further training and other expenses.

“If you would like to contribute to these organizations please contact me or a member of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Reserves. These organizations are selling a custom made challenge coin, which represents these organizations,” said Akers. “Your support is greatly appreciated!”