BEST FRIEND

four years, including six months as a decoy for the K-9 unit.

Deputy Jim Valbert, the K-9 unit’s trainer, said his unit is now fully sta ed again with seven dog-handler pairs and one decoy. Six dogs — including Ragnar and Rico — are dual-purpose for narcotics detection and patrol. e seventh is a bombsni ng dog for the courthouse, he said.

e K-9 unit responds to an incredibly large call volume, including helping local agencies that don’t have their own K-9 units.

“We stay busy,” Valbert continued. “ … (Being fully sta ed) keeps us at 24-7 coverage.”

Valbert, Oliver and Wagner all emphasized how this wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous community support JCSO received after Gra t’s death.

Companies and individuals from Je co and beyond donated money, dog treats, and more in Gra t’s honor. e monetary donations enabled the o ce to buy the two new K-9s — each of which was $20,000 including training and travel — along with ballistic vests and other crucial equipment.

Oliver thanked everyone for their support and donations, saying, “I felt like I wasn’t alone, that the commu- nity cared about (Gra t) too.”

While Oliver stressed that no one could replace Gra t, he said it was great to have a K-9 partner once more. He and his family members feel better now that he has someone going to work with him again.

Ragnar, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, is adjusting to home life well. He has “a good on-o switch,” Oliver