Lake County Sheriff Deputy Brian Kilpatrick and explosive detection Canine Boomer returned from the K-9 Olympics last week with five first-place national titles and a third-place national title, the sheriff’s office announced.
The 20th annual Vohne Liche Kennels Certifications and Trials, also known as the ‘K9 Olympics,’ took place from August 18-23 in Denver, Indiana.
“Each year, canine teams from as far away as Brazil, and as close to home as Arlington Heights, including 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,” the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said.
While at the largest canine Olympics in the country, canine teams were able to complete the mandated canine certification recognized by the State of Illinois. 130 individual canine teams participated in the five-day event.
Canine teams were evaluated and scored on their ability to complete timed scenarios, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said.
Canine Boomer placed first in Explosive Door Bottoms, Explosive Warehouse, Explosive Buildings, Overall K9 and Overall K9 Team. He also placed third in Scentlogix Detection and won a Scentlogix explosive detection kit valued at $3,000.
“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,” Idleburg added.