Help Putnam Sheriffs Department K-9 Unit Win $5,000 In Contest

A contest by The Hometown Foundation asks people to vote for their favorite police dog, and the Putnam County Sheriff's Office has an entry.

The organization's mission is to help deserving law enforcement agencies and their K-9 Units who have embodied the principles of honor, respect, pride and demonstrated compassion for their community.

The winners will receive $5,000 in equipment for the K-9 Unit.

Public voting opened Tuesday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 28. Go here to read each K-9 Unit’s story and vote for your favorite one — Southeast-Brewster Patch highly recommends Flash, clearly the most beautiful hound dog in the contest.

On the contest page, Putnam Deputy Sheriff Randal Hill described Flash as an extremely successful tracking dog due to his superior ability to discern and differentiate between scents.

He also said this:

As I reflect upon our successes, it is clear to me that K-9 Flash’s most notable quality as a working dog, has been his ability to deescalate tense situations through his displays of affection for all those he encounters. Together, we have investigated several cases where a member of our community is intent on harming themselves and refuse to engage in dialogue with responding officers. On these occasions, once the subject has noticed that K-9 Flash is present, their demeanor changes to one of interest and compliance. After a brief pet and the occasional belly-rub, K-9 Flash has helped these individuals in crisis recognize the compassion that exists amongst law enforcement officers, ultimately resulting in a peaceful resolution for all those involved.

If they win, Hill said, the Sheriff's Department will use the money to buy thermal imaging cameras. They not only protect both canine and handler by more readily identifying dangers lurking in the darkness which can remain unseen to standard night vision or the naked eye, but also can be used to locate the heat signature of missing or endangered adults and children during night-time operations.

Your first vote is free. Additional votes cost $1 and the Hometown Foundation says every dollar raised will benefit its Police K-9 Program.

Winners will be announced on March 4.