KLEC News
The Kentucky Law Enforcement Council recently unveiled their updated Career Development Program after 18 years. One of the new program tracks is the Law Enforcement Canine Officer Track. The new tracks day viewed in April of this year. To learn more about the new career tracks, visit https://klecs.ky.gov/career-development-program. K9 Handler Kyle Stone with the Henderson Police Department was the first officer to earn the Law Enforcement Canine Certificate.
Kyle Stone started with the Henderson Police Department in January of 2013 and graduated with Basic Class #445 in July 2013. Stone was selected to be a K9 Hander in September 2014 and completed his basic K9 Handler course, with K9 Exo, in November 2014. Exo is a 6.5 year old German Shepherd, who was imported from Slovakia. Exo is trained and certified in Patrol, Narcotic Detection and Tracking. Kyle and Exo certify each year through the United States Police Canine Association. Stone and Exo both serve on the Emergency Response Team. In February 2020, Kyle was promoted to Sergeant and is assigned to Second Shift.
Sergeant Kyle Stone said, “It is extremely difficult for me to pick just one story or event that is my favorite with Exo. Exo has proven to be such a loyal partner and it shows in his dedication to work. Each day before shift, Exo will go crazy because he knows we are about to get in the cruiser and go to work. That type of dedication and devotion to the job is un-matched in any person.”
“I think that the addition of the Law Enforcement Canine Officer Track to the Career Development Program is outstanding. Anyone who has committed themselves to working a dog knows the time and training it takes to make these dogs valuable assets to their agencies. It is good to know the state is recognizing all the hard work handlers put into their profession.”
The Kentucky Law Enforcement Council congratulates Sergeant Kyle Stone and K9 Exo on their accomplishments and earning the first Law Enforcement Canine Officer certificate.
