Barton County Sheriff’s Office K9s get protective equipment donation

Barton County Missouri Sheriff’s office K9s Barrett and Magnum have received protective equipment through a charitable donation from the non-profit organization, Paws Alive, Inc.

K9 Barrett’s handler is Chief Deputy Justin Ehrsam. K9 Magnum’s handler is Sgt. Toby Luce.

Each canine will receive a K9 Narcan kit and an Ace K9 Vehicle Heat Alarm System with real time proactive life saving technology.

Each canine Vehicle Heat Alarm system is worth $13,000. Each system alerts for high-heat cabin temperatures and monitors for smoke, fire, carbon and engine stall. The system provides warning indications before the danger and alarm happens.

The system also makes automatic corrective actions such as turning on fans, and rolling down windows to ensure the safety of the K9s inside the vehicle while providing real-time updates to the handler’s and agency’s smart phones. The system also includes a K9 door popper which can release the K9 from the vehicle to be by the handler’s side in an emergency situation.

K9 Narcan kits are now a must-have tool for  K9 handlers. K9s are just the latest victims of a growing opioid epidemic that has spread across the United States in recent years. K9 units search for illicit drug are often exposed to lethal amounts of opioids, including fentanyl. An immediate NARCAN dose can successfully stabilize a K9 at the scene that then can be transported to an animal hospital for further treatment and observation.

PPAK9s complete a K9 NARCAN kit costs $350 and includes two separate nasal spray doses and weather proof NARCAN carry pouch which can be worn on the K9 handler’s duty belt or vest to ensure constant access.

Two NARCAN doses are include because field reports have shown that oftentimes K9s require two doses on scene.  PPAK9 Narcan kits are the only kits that also include multiple pairs of ResQ-GRIP Advanced Nitrile gloves that are barrier tested and certified fentanyl and heroin resistant gloves. These gloves are designed specifically for Law Enforcement, EMS, and the Military to ensure that first responders who use them on duty get home safe.

There are an estimated 60,000 law enforcement, fire and military K9s throughout the United States in need of this type of equipment.

Project Paws Alive, Inc. is a nationwide 501c(3) charity whose mission is to provide protective equipment to dogs of law enforcement, military and related agencies in the United States.

For more information or to learn more about the equipment, please visit PPAK9.org  Projects Paws Alive, Inc. also accepts tax deductible donations of any amount at www.PPAK9.org or via the mail to Project Paws Alive, 2095 HWY 211 NW, STF-2, Box 273, Braselton, GA 30517.