MOUNT VERNON — Odin and Bella are the newest K-9s to join the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
The KCSO bought the K-9s in July 2025 from Sunbury-based Storm Dog Tactical. Both dogs are around 2 years old.
Odin, a Dutch Shepherd, is a dual-purpose K-9 trained in narcotics detection and patrol tactics. Deputy Brandon Feeney will be paired with Odin.
Bella is a Belgian Malinois trained in narcotics detection. Deputy Alysia Miller will handle Bella.
The K-9s undergo a series of obedience training and evaluations from Storm Dog. Handlers then complete an intensive training program with the K9 to become certified and operationally deployable.
“Training could be anywhere from three weeks to five weeks, depending on the training they need,” Weckesser told the county commissioners last week.
Feeney and Miller are first-time K-9 handlers and started their training this week.
Training includes handler instruction, K-9 behavior, obedience, communications and officer safety.
Handlers also receive instruction on legal considerations, use-of-force, and documentation as well as K9 care and welfare.
The K-9s cost $31,000. That covers the dogs’ purchase, importation, education. It also covers the deputies’ training and equipment.
Weckesser said the KCSO used Law Enforcement Trust Fund money to cover the cost.
LETF funds are generated from the sale of forfeited property/proceeds and forfeited funds.
KCSO applies for two grants
On April 7, the commissioners approved two grant applications for the sheriff’s office.
The Safe Neighborhood grant will promote the KCSO’s proactive, data-driven approach to addressing crime and quality of life issues in the county.
“We are currently in the ‘pre-award conditions’ phase of the grant for $54,750 dollars,” Weckesser said.
If the KCSO receives the grant, it will use it to prioritize modern technology and collaboration to improve investigative efficiency and public safety.
Funding will support deploying Flock License Plate Reader (LPR) technology, an investigative tool used to identify suspect vehicles, generate leads, and solve crimes that may otherwise lack actionable evidence.
Weckesser said the scope is countywide and of particular importance to Knox County’s largely rural communities where limited resources and geographic challenges can delay investigations.
According to Weckesser, LPR data supports timely responses, enhances case solvability, and strengthens information sharing among partner agencies. The funding and collaboration would expand coverage and benefit smaller townships and villages.
The KCSO would sustain LPR technology through future grants or budget planning to ensure long-term public safety benefits.
The second application is for body-worn cameras (BWC) through the Office of Criminal Justice Services.
In February, the OCJS awarded the sheriff’s office $80,000 of the $177,000 it applied for to enhance and expand its BWC program.
“By investing in modern technology and expanding our K9 program, we are strengthening our ability to combat drug-related crime and keep our communities safe,” Weckesser said.
“These resources allow our deputies to be more proactive, disrupt criminal activity, and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Knox County.”
Green uniforms signal quicker response
Commissioner Barry Lester said several residents have commented about deputies who wear green uniforms. Weckesser said they are Special Response Team members.
“Our thoughts on that is having our team members already prepared, so if we do have something major that kicks off, they don’t have to run back to their residence and get their gear,” Weckesser explained.
“In the past, there have been times we have something major happen, and our SRT team is needed. They had to run clear back home and get their gear, gear up, and then meet at the office.”
