ST. AUGUSTINE – K9s United, a St. Augustine-based nonprofit dedicated to advocating and supporting K-9 law enforcement officers, hosted a three-day training seminar to ensure local and regional K-9 units and EMS professionals receive the highest level of customized training, problem-solving techniques and animal care practices necessary to protect and serve their communities. The private workshop, held last week, hosted approximately 40 K-9 teams, including from the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS professionals at the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office Training Center.

“Our mission is rooted in the belief that the contributions of working K-9s is essential to create safer communities,” said Debbie Johnson, founder and president of K9s United. “St. Augustine serves as the perfect area for neighboring agencies to participate in this crucial training as we continue to support and empower K-9 units throughout Florida to ensure they have the resources, support and training they need most in the field.”

K9s United is offered $15,000 in grants. Residents can vote three times a day for their favorite law enforcement agency. There are three ways to vote – visit www.aftermath.com/k9-grant, on Facebook @Aftermath Cares or on Instagram @aftermathk9grant.

Topics include human detection such as tracking, trailing, area and building searches; criminal apprehension techniques and scenario-based training; odor and narcotics/explosive detection; and basic and advanced obedience training. The first aid training will also feature Diesel, a sophisticated simulated police K-9 that looks, sounds and bleeds like a real injured working dog. These hands-on scenarios aim to increase a K-9 officer’s chance of survival on the front line by educating K-9 handlers and EMS professionals on the dog’s anatomy, combat and environmental injuries, and treatment protocols, among other life-saving techniques K-9s may require at a moment’s notice.

Many law enforcement agencies do not have the funding needed to provide their K-9 units with the vital resources they require, including advanced training, kennels and equipment such as vehicle heat alarms and door poppers, canine emergency kits and bulletproof vests. Through community and corporate support, K9s United helps fill that void and aid law enforcement agencies to ensure their K-9 units have the programs and supplies the dogs need most. Additionally, K9s United actively advocates for legislation and has successfully championed two bills into Florida law that help protect and serve these selfless working dogs.

Every dollar donated to K9s United supports its mission to educate, train and provide vital equipment and services to K-9 teams.