The Covington Police Department has honored Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders with an appreciation award for aiding in the purchase of a new police dog, Stryker, for the department.
The department honored Sanders at the city commission meeting on Tuesday. Sanders’ office, in partnership with the Kentucky Prosecutors Advisory Council, purchased Stryker as part of an effort to update police dog training in the face of the impending legalization of medical cannabis and the possibility of the legalization of recreational cannabis in the future.
Stryker, along with other new police dogs, do not have marijuana imprinted in their training, ensuring medical cannabis users aren’t erroneously arrested or cited. The office has already purchased a dog for Fort Mitchell and is working to secure funding for one in Independence, as well.
“As Kentucky transitions into the era of medical marijuana and, without getting into the political debate about it, potentially into recreational use in the future, Covington’s Police Department’s been very proactive, as have a few of the other Kenton County police agencies about making sure that all of our dogs don’t become useless,” Sanders said.
Chief Brian Valenti presented a plaque to Sanders. Stryker and his handler, Specialist Sam Mathews, also attended the meeting.
“Commonwealth’s Attorney Sanders has always been a big supporter of law enforcement and also of our city,” said Comissioner Ron Washington, who’s a former police officer. “He was the former vice mayor, so we appreciate your work, Rob.”
