Orrell donation gifts K-9 to Hot Springs Police Department

Hot Springs Police Chief David Flory, HSPD Officer Brandon Jones and former police officer/current business owner Ryan Orrell, following a K-9 demonstration and plaque presentation at a recent Hot Springs Board of Directors meeting at City Hall.

Last spring, the Hot Springs Police Department received an unexpected gift from a local businessman. Former Hot Springs police officer and current business owner Ryan Orrell donated $15,000 for the purchase of a new canine for the department. Orrell, a former canine handler during his tenure at the department, understood the need for an additional canine to enhance and increase the department’s canine capabilities.

Following a comprehensive search process, the selection committee chose Officer Brandon Jones to be partnered with the new canine. Officer Jones, a three-year veteran of the department, was subsequently reassigned to the Special Operations K-9 Unit.

The purchase of a canine is a serious decision. Much thought and research went in to finding the right fit for the department. In June, officers traveled to the US K-9 training facility in Kaplan, Louisiana to inspect several possible new recruits. US K-9, a nationally recognized canine training facility, produces some of the nation’s top canines and handlers.

Officer Jones was immediately drawn to a young female Belgian Malinois, due to her personality and behavioral patterns. The department’s course was set, and Keena was purchased. The department’s newest officer is approximately 18 months old and 65 pounds.

Keena underwent an eight-week basic course at US K-9 to develop her fundamental skills, after which Officer Jones joined her for an additional eight-week session that paired the two for an extensive and difficult training regimen. Throughout the course, Keena set the standard for other canines at the school. Officer Jones would boast on a weekly basis about the speed with which Keena grasped new concepts and the strong bond that was developing between the two. Officer Jones and Recruit Keena graduated on October 14, journeying home to begin their new careers together.

Since his return, Officer Jones and Keena have been paired with Officer Mike Jones and his partner Nero for field training and evaluation. The new team continues to develop their skills under the mentorship of Officer Jones.

With the new team in place, the department can now provide seven-day canine service coverage. The department’s handlers and canines are all certified in Canine Standards by the International and National Narcotics Detector Dog Association. Doubling its canine unit has increased the department’s ability to locate narcotics, assist in investigations, participate in search and rescue operations and provide officer safety.

The department would like to thank Ryan Orrell for helping expand its canine program and provide increased services to Hot Springs citizens.