“They [potential criminals] know Friday and Saturday, 9 to midnight, you don’t ride around dirty (driving around with any form of illegality) in Jeff ( Jeffersonville) because you’re probably going to get stopped,” Leverett explained. “From the start of the show to now, it’s been harder to catch somebody dirty and buying drugs.” Another positive is the community policing aspect that both Leverett and Flex’s popularity have brought to the police department. Both get asked to attend various community outreach events from galas, reading to local children to participating in fundraisers. Other perks of TV exposure include numerous gifts and cards from fans. One fan sent Leverett crocheted hats and a blanket with his picture on it for his young son. Flex has also received gifts, including tennis balls and “pig” ears. When Leverett and Flex appeared in A&E’s New York City studio last year to serve as guest commentators for “Live PD,” Leverett was asked what type of food he feeds Flex. Shortly afterward, Purina sent Leverett a year’s supply of the dog food. Due to his popularity, Flex even has his own Twitter account which currently has over 29,500 followers. The account is handled by Leverett’s mother, Sandy.
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Though retirement isn’t in his foreseeable future, Leverett, 40, hopes to continue to serve as a mentor, even after handing in his badge, passing on his skills and experience to the younger officers on the force. “Hopefully, the young guys coming up under me will kind of take the reins and keep doing it,” he said. When he leaves the department, Leverett would like to pursue his passion for dogs in some way. He’d also like to spend more time with his family, which he admits has been hard while serving as a police officer. As for Flex, Leverett hopes that he can continue to be part of his family (which includes his wife and 2-year-old son) after his days on the force are done. Although Flex is considered a member of the Jeffersonville Police Department, retired K9 officers are usually allowed to remain with their human family.
Leverett trains with Flex both on duty and during his off hours to make sure his K9 partner is at the top of his game. Leverett uses a tennis ball as part of the training and as a reward for a job well done.
For now, Flex and Leverett have more pressing things to think about than a retiree’s relaxed schedule. Leverett has paperwork to catch up on after the previous night’s drug bust. Flex is running drills. Neither of them know what the future — specifically tonight — holds for them. It was the past — the tragedies of his loved ones’ drug experiences and his passion for stopping “bad guys” — that shaped Leverett’s present. The exposure of being on “Live PD” is icing on the cake, allowing him to project a positive image on those who protect and serve our communities. HOLLY HUFFMAN is member relations and advertising manager for Electric Consumer.
For more information • About “Live PD,” go to the show’s website at aetv.com. • Find and follow Flex on Twitter at @K9Flex_JPD. • Visit Electric Consumer’s social media pages for extra content from our visit with Sgt. Leverett and Flex.
MAY 2018
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