New K-9 partner joining team at Mills County Sheriff’s Office

 Valor, a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic, will soon be joining the crime-fighting team at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Josh England will serve as the K-9’s handler and will begin training with his new partner later this month.

“By mid-September, we hope to be out on the road,” England said.
England’s former K-9 partner, Monte, recently underwent knee surgery and will now be handled by Deputy Asa Mather.

“Monte will pretty much be restricted to doing narcotics,” Mather said.
The K-9 program at the sheriff’s office is funded exclusively through private donations, England said. Over $17,000 was raised to purchase the new dog. A golf tournament was held in Malvern and donations were given by a variety of organizations and businesses, including the Glenwood Lions Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Glenwood and Silver City American Legion posts and The Playhouse Performing Arts Theater.

“To keep our K-9 program, we need to keep our fundraising going,” England said. “We’re very appreciative of the support we get from the community.”

England noted that the donations not only pay for the purchase and training of a dog, but also for food and veterinary expenses.
The name Valor was chosen through a community-wide promotion on social media.

“On our K-9 Facebook page, we took suggestions and narrowed it down to Maverick and Valor,” Mather said.