Iredell County Sheriff’s introduces K-9 units to every high school

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office shared on Wednesday that they will have a canine in every high school where their deputies serve as School Resource Officers.

“These dedicated canine partners play a vital role in keeping students and staff safe each day,” the sheriff’s office said.

With the newest addition of Canine Chief and his handler, Deputy Lawrence, at West Iredell High School, the sheriff’s Canine Unit continues to expand. Chief is certified in detecting narcotics and trailing, skills that are valuable tools in a school environment.

“This newest canine was made possible through our partnership with Iredell-Statesville Schools,” the sheriff’s office said. “The canines in our schools are highly beneficial. Not only for safety but also for building positive connections between students and law enforcement. Their presence often helps students feel more comfortable approaching their School Resource Officer, opening doors for communication and trust that might not happen otherwise.

“We appreciate Iredell-Statesville Schools for recognizing the value of having canines in our schools and for their continued commitment to providing safe learning environments for all students.”