News Flash

The Liberty Lake Police Department is preparing for the return of its K9 program, which has been paused for over a decade.  K9 Officer Jordan Tuttle and his canine partner, Maverick, are currently involved in a six-week K9 handler training course at Southern Police Canine in Spring Hope, North Carolina.

The reintroduction of the K9 program is expected to bring numerous benefits to the community.   Maverick is highly trained to detect narcotics and track suspects.  His presence alone can deter criminal activities, contributing significantly to crime reduction and creating a safer community.

In emergency situations, K9s such as Maverick are invaluable because of their exceptional sense of smell and ability to navigate difficult terrain.  They play a crucial role in swiftly and efficiently locating missing persons.  K9 Officer Tuttle and K9 Maverick will also participate in community events, helping to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and our community.

Operating a K9 program can be costly, but organizations such as the Emma Loves Dogs Foundation help alleviate these financial burdens.  The Emma Loves Dogs Foundation has donated $4,000 to the Liberty Lake Police Department’s K9 program.  This donation will help cover unexpected startup expenses, allowing the LLPD to provide Maverick with adequate shelter space.  The Liberty Lake Police Department and the City of Liberty Lake extend a heartfelt thanks to the Emma Loves Dog Foundation for its generosity and support in launching this important departmental and community initiative.

The foundation was created in memory of Emma Mertens, an 8-year-old girl from Hartland, Wisconsin, who passed away in 2019 due to a brain tumor.  Emma was dedicated to spreading kindness to all living beings, especially dogs.   Her legacy continues through the foundation’s efforts to support K9 units and other canine causes.

The Liberty Lake Police Department looks forward to the positive impacts that the K9 program will have on the community and is excited to see Maverick and Officer Tuttle together in action.