- April 26, 2024
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Gov. Ron DeSantis, surrounded by FCSO K-9 handlers and their dogs, holds a press conference June 10 at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Palm Coast teen Emma Stanford talks about her non-profit, Emma Loves K9s. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Gov. DeSantis said K-9s are often the first to go into a dangerous situation. Photo by Brent Woronoff
State Rep. Sam Killebrew speaks before Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill Killebrew introduced. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Sheriff Rick Staly said K-9s and their handlers are not only partners for life, but after their retirement the K-9s become family members. Photo by Brent Woronoff
St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick speaks at the press conference. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Palm Coast teenager Emma Stanford stood by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ side as he signed a bill to help pay for the veterinary care of retired K-9s.
Stanford started the non-profit, “Emma Loves K9s,” four years ago to support K-9 law enforcement in Flagler County.
With Stanford, Flagler County’s K-9s and their handlers looking on, DeSantis signed Senate Bill 226 on June 10 at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without advocates like Emma.”
GOV. RON DESANTIS
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without advocates like Emma,” DeSantis said.
The new law will provide up to $1,500 a year in reimbursements for the medical care of retired police dogs. The state has allocated $300,000 this year for the program that will be housed under the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and administered by a non-profit dedicated to the care of retired K-9s, DeSantis said.
“These K-9s are instrumental in helping keep our communities safe,” DeSantis said. “They’re put in very difficult situations. They’re not only protecting the officers, but they’re protecting the public as a whole. It is important that we ensure that they are cared for by providing the resources necessary for handlers or adopted families to afford their veterinary care.”
State Rep. Sam Killebrew, who introduced the bill, compared retired K-9s to retired football players.
“This is a great bill,” he said. “It is the same as an NFL player playing for eight or nine years, and they are beat up and retiring. These dogs are beat up after they serve, and they need medical attention. This money is going to go a long way to help.”
Last year, a conversation between Staly and Stanford led the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to help cover costs for its own handlers who take in retired K-9s.
Staly met the Stanford family when Emma Stanford was looking to adopt a German shepherd four years ago.
“I don’t know who adopted who. Emma and her family adopted us, or we adopted Emma,” Staly said.
“They’re a Gold Star family (the family of a U.S. service member who died during a conflict),” Staly said after the press conference. “The family thought it would be good for Emma to get to know our K-9s, almost as a therapy dog. And that developed into a relationship for the entire agency with the Stanford family. And what an amazing young lady Emma is, starting this at age 11.”
“It is expensive. The handlers don’t want the dogs to go anywhere else, because they bond with them 8, 10 years. ... Not only are they partners for life, but they become family members.”
RICK STALY, Flagler County sheriff
Selling K-9 plushies, “Emma Loves K9s” raises funds for the Flagler K-9s. Earlier this year, Stanford purchased a shed to store the K-9 unit’s gear.
When Killebrew introduced his bill last year, Stanford emailed him, asking to help. Staly remembers Stanford telling him that she started raising funds for retired K-9s.
“That got me to thinking,” Staly said. “Quite frankly, I’ve been a cop for decades. I was undersheriff in Orange County where we had a lot of dogs. And the dogs would always retire and go to the handler. We never thought about the cost of maintaining the dog.”
It turned out to be $2,000 a year if there are no major medical issues, Staly said. Sgt. Rob Tarczewski has two retired police dogs in his home.
“It is expensive. The handlers don’t want the dogs to go anywhere else, because they bond with them 8, 10 years,” Staly said. “Last year, we implemented supporting our retired K-9s, but I think that’s the exception, so this bill will correct that, take the burden off the handlers. Not only are they partners for life, but they become family members.”
Staly and Killebrew said they would like to see the program expanded in the future where day-to-day costs will be covered.
