K9 officially joins Kimball Police Department

Four years old may seem a little young to join the police force, but the Kimball Police Department's newest member is already an experienced officer.

Xana, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was recently added to the force through a K9s 4 Cops grant, according to a recent press release from the Kimball Police Department.

The Kimball Police Department canine program is mostly funded with grants and donations, with the City of Kimball furnishing insurance and discounted veterinary costs.

Xana and her handler, Captain Andy Bremer, recently completed police service dog training together in Anniston, Ala., which was also covered through the grant.

"I would like to thank K9 4 Cops and UP Rail Road as Xana and the training was free to Kimball because of their grant funds," Bremer said.

Originally imported from Holland, where she was selected and trained, Xana was purchased for Department of Defense contracts.

She is a veteran war dog from the current conflict in Afghanistan, and she has received two awards for her service to the military, according to the press release.

"I chose Xana because of her calm disposition. She is a remarkable partner and will do well here," Bremer said. "The best part of handling a K9 is having her with me all the time. They are fiercely loyal and we have a tight bond."

Xana, the first canine officer for the local police department, serves multiple purposes. Among other duties, she is trained to detect illegal drugs, apprehend suspects, and protect her handler in dangerous situations.

"This K9 team will benefit Kimball with narcotic interdiction as well as tracking lost persons and evidence recovery," Bremer said.

Bremer has had experience handling a multi-purpose k9 with the Alliance Police Department as well as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad police department.