Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff's Office has announced the addition of K9 Zack, an explosive detection dog, to its K9 Unit. Partnered with Deputy Trish List, Zack will enhance the office's capabilities in maintaining safety and security within the community.

According to a press release by Lake County, K9 Zack was born on February 14, 2024, in Europe and traveled to the United States for further training at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. This facility is recognized as a leading national police canine training center. Deputy List completed five weeks of intensive training at the center, where she and Zack developed their partnership and advanced his skills in explosive detection.

Zack's responsibilities will include sweeping schools and public buildings for explosives or firearms, checking community events for potential threats, and conducting security sweeps of courthouses and government complexes. He will also assist local police departments with specialized explosive detection needs and support investigations by locating firearms, explosives, and related evidence. With Zack joining the team, the Sheriff’s K9 Unit now comprises ten active teams, thereby expanding its ability to provide safety across the region.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said that "K9 Zack, partnered with Deputy Trish List, brings an extra layer of safety and peace of mind to our community." Idleburg emphasized that Zack's skills would be utilized to protect schools, public buildings, and community events while serving as a deterrent to potential threats.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is tasked with maintaining order and upholding laws while protecting individual rights within the community. The office prioritizes service through education, communication, partnerships, and enforcement to build public trust. It holds accreditation that ensures adherence to recognized standards in law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office began operations with the county's founding in 1839 and has expanded over time.