The Lee County Opioid Committee has recommended funding to help provide specialized medical training and emergency equipment for the county’s K-9 units.
During its June 18 meeting, the committee voted 4-to-1 to recommend approving a funding request totaling nearly $25,900. The proposal now moves to the Lee County Board of Supervisors for final consideration.
The request, submitted by Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryson Hennigar, would provide K-9 Narcan administration certification and advanced canine emergency medical training for all seven law enforcement K-9 units in Lee County. The training would also be available to additional EMS personnel and veterinary staff who assist the county’s police dogs.
The funding would also purchase 10 advanced medical kits equipped with Narcan and other emergency supplies for K-9 teams and frontline EMS vehicles.
According to the application, the training is intended to prepare first responders to treat police dogs exposed to opioids and provide emergency medical care beyond Narcan administration if needed. The proposal also aims to help protect the county’s investment in its K-9 units.
The proposed cost includes approximately $19,400 for training and about $6,400 for the medical kits as a one-time expense.
The Lee County Opioid Committee reviews requests for opioid settlement funds before forwarding recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision on the funding request at a future meeting.