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ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE The Detail Newsletter - January 2022

NEW K9 TRAINING FIELD OPENS

For Atlas, Nuke, Rex and four new dogs still in training, the new K9 training field at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is like a little slice of heaven.

“This new field is going to make such a difference for our K9’s,” says Captain Ken McKlem. “The dogs used to train on a dirt lot. AstroTurf is so much better on their feet. It’s much healthier for them and a great surface for physical training, not to mention it beautifies the area.”
BEFORE renovations
AFTER renovations

At first glance, the new field looks somewhat like a luxury dog park -- complete with an AstroTurf surface (artificial grass), night lighting, a row of kennels, water fountains, a dog waste station, concrete curbing and a walkway. But the new improvements were much needed and will help in the expansion of the sheriff's office K9 unit.

Kennels were installed at the new K9 field

The field came with a cost of more than $300,000 -- fully paid for by Back the Blue K-9 Force and other donors. Back the Blue K9 Force is a non-profit which raises money to buy police dogs and equipment for law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado.

"This new field was desperately needed and I am so grateful the dogs have a safe place to train because they're our heroes," says Diane Lewis, Back the Blue K9. "These dogs needed a place to set them up for success and prepare them for the every day challenges they face."

The new training area opened a few weeks ago and already handlers and their dogs are out there every day. They train alone, as a unit and with other agencies such as the Sheridan Police Department and the Greenwood Village Police Department.

Deputy Matt Howerton trains a new potential K9 named Bodhi.

Deputies are currently training four new K9s who will be in service in a few short months if they pass the required testing. When fully staffed, the sheriff's office will have seven K9s total -- six dual-purpose dogs trained in apprehension and narcotics detection, and one bomb dog trained to detect explosives.

Back the Blue K-9 is still hoping to improve the field even more with a new obstacle course. It is currently raising money for that project. If you'd like to donate, click the button below.

TOYS BRING JOY TO FAMILIES AND KIDS

When the sheriff's office decided to partner with The Salvation Army Centennial Corps for a Christmas Toy Drive, we never expected the sheer number of donations that came pouring in on a daily basis. It was more than we had ever received in previous years!

Toys set up and ready for families

We received thousands of toys and gift cards from generous citizens who dropped off the gifts in our lobby, as well as local businesses who hopped on board to join us in the collection process. One generous citizen who wanted to remain anonymous, even donated a little kitchen!

Thanks to YOU we were able to help the community and provide toys and gift cards to more than 250 needy kids and their families this Christmas. Many of these parents had lost their jobs, had no income or were homeless, as well as children in foster care.

Our deputies and explorers got involved too, helping the families choose the perfect gift.

Deputy Brianne Bauer seen in the photo at left, handed one couple $75 in Target gift cards to help them buy groceries for their 7 children. The mom began to cry and didn't know how to respond.

No response was needed. We were simply there to help our community.

Deputy Benjamin Sherman helping out the families
Deputy Kelly Searle helping out the families

Outside the mounted unit greeted families...

While inside, the mini horses were a hit with the kids!

And what's a Christmas event without Santa Claus AND the Salvation Army Brass Band!

Santa poses with deputies and explorers
Salvation Army Brass Band took requests for Christmas songs

THANK YOU Arapahoe County from the bottom of our hearts. We live in the BEST community in Colorado!

MORE DEPUTIES SERVING THE COMMUNITY

A warm welcome to our newest deputy sheriffs. 22 cadets were sworn in by Sheriff Tyler Brown at their academy graduations after 22 weeks of intense training at both the Flatrock Regional Training Center and the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility.

Congratulations to each and every one of them for taking the oath to serve and protect the citizens of Arapahoe County. We wish you the very best in your law enforcement career!

CANCER PATIENTS GET FINANCIAL HELP

The sheriff's office was honored to present a check for $3,000 to Littleton Adventist Hospital in December to help fund cancer treatments for prostate & breast cancer patients who can't afford it.

Thank you to everyone who bought pink and blue items from our online store during our annual Blue Backs the Pink campaign in September and October. It's because of you, we were able to make this generous donation.

SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A FRIEND

A young student at Peabody Elementary was having a rough day so SRO Deputy Travis Jones spent some quiet time with him to lift his spirits. This photo melts our ❤.

A NOTE OF THANKS

From the Command Staff and all of us at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office... we hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Here's looking forward to 2022!