Donated canine joins town’s police force

WENDELL, Idaho – A 3-year-old Belgian Malinois has joined the Wendell Police Department, giving the agency its first K-9 program.

Iron Mountain Kennels of Shoshone gave Kena to the police department. Officials say Kena will help them apprehend suspects and sniff out drugs.

“Once she is totally in service, Kena is going to be an invaluable addition to our force,” Police Chief Kirtus Gaston told the Times-News of Twin Falls. “She can assist in narcotics searches, apprehension and tracking. I think that every department nationwide should have a dog on their force. We are excited to finally have one.”

A dog like Kena usually costs about $2,700, but officials said she’s worth more than that with the training she already has received.

“She is a good addition to the force,” said Wendell Mayor Rex Strickland. “Hopefully when they can use her to her fullest capacity we will be able bring the drugs to a stop. She is another tool we can use.”

Kena joined the force two weeks ago, and is about 60 percent trained. Sgt. J.R. Gregory is her handler.

“This a first for me,” Gregory said. “The bonding is taking a while, but we’re getting there. Having her in the car is great too. She really is your partner. She’s a working dog so she can’t come inside, but she does go home with me at night and I take care of her.”