By Chase Strawser, KnoxPages.com Reporter
MOUNT VERNON – The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities turned Ariel Foundation Park into a race course August 12 for their ‘Imagine the Possibilities” 1 Mile and 5K. The event was also a fund raiser with all proceeds from the race being donated to the Danville Police Department’s K-9 Unit.
Hundreds of participants came to show their support for the Danville Police Department and to get in shape. Participants could walk the 1K or endure the entire 5K run.
Before the race, Officer Kevin Henthorn and K-9 unit handler Sgt. Chad Lishness were on hand to answer any questions about the K-9 Unit and gave a impressive presentation on their K-9, Sgt. TC’s, capabilities with energetic tricks and acrobatic jumps.
The name of K-9 is TC, in honor of Officer Thomas Cottrell, who The Department lost in January. TC carries on Officer Cottrell’s initials and a legacy that won’t be forgotten.
TC resides with Sgt. Lishness and his family and enjoys chew toys on his free time as a reward for a job well done.
Danville PD introduced K-9 officer August 12 at Ariel Foundation Park – KP Photo by Chase Strawser
Danville PD also has another K-9, Diesel, who was inducted into their ranks on August 1. Diesel is handled by Chief Daniel J. Weckesser.
A K-9 unit’s duties include tracking suspects and apprehending them along with detecting illegal substances. K-9 units are an asset to a Police Department’s crime fighting repertoire and The Danville Police Department is looking to expand their K-9 Unit even further in the future.
The race’s contribution to the Danville PD’s K-9 unit was a way to show appreciation for all the Department does. Officer Henthorn spoke on behalf of the Department and their gratitude for events like the 5K that confirm community support for our officers.
Sgt. Henthorn said, “Myself, Sgt. Lishness, and Sgt TC were very humbled and moved by the showing of support. We love what we do for the people of our county, and when the people respond in support of us like they did Friday night it makes what we do all worth it.”
“Sgt. Chad and TC enjoyed interacting with the crowd and I enjoyed walking the race with my beautiful wife. It was a great time and a huge thanks for the event coordinators for making it all happen for us.”
Running times can be found at https://goo.gl/photos/JRteHb7ax6wjE1Ag7 and rankings are listed at https://goo.gl/photos/REfiRSAHGuurE93FA.
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