OFFERING SUPPORT – With assistance from The Allstate Foundation, fifth-grade pupils at Oak Glen Middle presented Hancock County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Division with gifts of appreciation Friday morning, including cooling mats and dog treats. -- Craig Howell

NEW MANCHESTER — As we approach the season of giving, some Hancock County students are remembering those who protect and serve.

With support from The Allstate Foundation, fifth grade pupils from Oak Glen Middle were able to present the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Division, Friday morning, with gifts to show their appreciation for their service to the community.

Deputies with the K-9 Division were greeted by the youth in the school’s gym, receiving baskets of gifts, including two cooling mats for their canine partners, and a variety of treats.

Sgt. Hugh Tate offered thanks on behalf of the division, which currently includes four deputies and five canines.

“We’re fortunate enough that we get support throughout the community,” Tate said.

Similar donations were collected for the school’s service dog, a golden retriever named Meeka.

Tate noted support from area residents and businesses has been instrumental in maintaining the K-9 division, explaining it typically costs $20,000 just to acquire a dog. That doesn’t include costs for training and equipment.

The deputies took time to introduce the pupils to some of their canines, explaining the work they do. This included the division’s newest addition, Kennie, a bloodhound acquired earlier this summer who is still going through his certifications.

“We use him strictly for searching for people,” Tate explained, noting, while other four-legged members of the division have tracking capabilities, Kennie’s sense of smell is more effective, allowing him to be used in longer search missions.

The four other dogs – Gabe, Kevin, Sandro and Magor – also are certified in identifying various narcotics and are used in regular patrol duties. They are German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mixes.