Using funds obtained through criminal forfeitures, the Mills County Attorney’s Office donated a new bite suit to the Mills County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. The bite suit is one of the many tools the K9 Unit utilizes for regular training. Deputies and volunteers wear the suit to reduce the risk of severe injury during apprehension exercises.

On March 5, 2018, Naeda Elliott, Mills County Attorney, and Tyler S. Loontjer, Assistant Mills County Attorney, presented the suit to Deputy Josh England and his K9 partner, “Valor,” and Deputy Asa Mather and his K9 partner, “Zehn,” at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office.

Mills County Jailor Connor McQuillan bravely volunteered to break in the suit by taking the first bite from each of the dogs. Elliott said in a press release, that “The public may not be aware of how much training and expense goes into making these dogs specialized assets for our law enforcement.” She goes on to say “The dogs are an essential tool in detecting drugs and combating crime. We are grateful for the assistance the public has provided and this is just a small token of my office’s appreciation for the great work the deputies and the canines do on a daily basis.”

Deputy Josh England said “I am excited to put the new suit to work. We (the K9 Unit) appreciate the residents and businesses of Mills County supporting our mission. Our Unit relies almost exclusively on the donations it receives from the public for the care and equipment directly related to our K9 partners.”

If you would like to make a donation to the Mills County K9 Unit, contact the Mills County Sheriff’s Office at (712) 527-4337.