Lake Co. Bomb-Sniffing Dog Wins Top National Awards

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Lake County Sheriff's Office K9 officer Boomer recently fared very well at a national canine competition. Her earned five first place national titles and one third place finish during the 20th Annual Vohne Liche Kennels Certifications and Trials in Denver, Indiana, which is also known as the "K9 Olympics," according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The county's bomb-sniffing dog along with his handler, Deputy Brian Kilpatrick, received the following commendations:

• Boomer received a first place in explosive door bottoms, explosive warehouse, explosive buildings, overall K9 and overall K9 team
• He received a third place in Scentlogix detection

“We are so proud of Explosive Detection Canine Boomer and his partner, Deputy Brian Kilpatrick. Lake County is very fortunate to have this amazing explosive detection canine team right here in the county,' Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said. "They are often requested to respond to large events where large crowds are expected, in Lake County and around the region, to conduct explosive sweeps, ensuring those in attendance are safe.”

Each year, canine teams from as far away as Brazil, and as close to home as Arlington Heights, including the Department of Defense Special Forces, State and local police departments, sheriff's offices, and private contract K9 teams, come together to test the handler’s abilities and the K9's skills in explosive detection and patrol work, acccording to the news release.

While at the largest ‘K9 Olympics’ in the country, canine teams were able to complete the mandated canine certification recognized by the state of Illinois and individual canine teams participated in this five-day event. Canine teams were evaluated and scored on their ability to complete timed scenarios.