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Lawrence Twp. receives second K-9 as part of pilot program

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Lawrence Township has received a second K-9 specializing in weapons and explosives detection as part of a pilot program.

The district received Niko from K9s4Cops, a Houston-based nonprofit organization that grants fully-trained K-9s to law enforcement agencies, school districts and colleges. Lawrence Township is the first school district in the nation to acquire two K-9s through the program.

Through a grant, the district received Niko at no cost. In addition, Officer Matt Brandenburg of the Lawrence Police Department spent six weeks in Houston training with Niko as his handler.

According to a release, detection dogs have more flexible lifestyle and are allowed to live in their handler’s home.

The district said that having Niko will provide a higher level of security in schools. In addition to being used in Lawrence Township schools and at school events, Niko will also be available to the Lawrence Police Department.

Niko joins fellow K-9 Axel, who was acquired by Lawrence Township through the K9s4Cops program in 2015.