HPD canine teams.

Hawai‘i Police Department’s canines and handlers have some extra first aid resources thanks to a recent donation from the Hawai‘i Island K9 Association. During a ceremony held in Kailua-Kona on Thursday, February 25, 2021, the Association presented the department with seven canine trauma first aid kits and seven nasal Narcan kits – one for each of the department’s seven canine units. The department has five narcotics canines and two live search canines.

The donation included training by a veterinarian in how to use the equipment, training aids, canine toys and other materials, with a combined total value of $2,000. The department received approval from the County Council to accept the donation prior to last week’s ceremony.

Dr. Henricks demonstrates canine first aid on a non-police dog.

Following the ceremony, veterinarian Dr. Kristina Henricks, owner of Good Karma Spay and Neuter, provided departmental canine handlers training in how to use the trauma kits and Narcan.

“We want to make sure the canines are protected,” says Tammy Passmore, founder and board chair of the Hawai‘i Island K9 Association. “We saw a need for the canines to have the specialty training and equipment so they can perform their job.”

“Hawai‘i Police Department appreciates the generous donation from the Hawai‘i Island K9 Association to keep our canines safe,” says Hawai‘i Police Department Chief Paul Ferreira.

The Association is continuing to raise funds to help support the needs of law enforcement canine teams. For more information on Hawai‘i Island K9 Association, go to https://hik9s.org/.