Washington County Sheriff's K9 Fund Receives $2,000 Donation

Kalona Sales Barn contributes to support new K9 addition to the force.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:25pm

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The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a $2,000 donation to the Sheriff's K9 fund from the Kalona Sales Barn. The donation will help cover the initial $15,000 cost of adding a second K9 officer to the department last November, including the dog, training, and veterinary expenses.

Why it matters

The Washington County Sheriff's K9 program relies entirely on community donations to fund its operations, so this contribution from a local business helps ensure the department can maintain its K9 unit and the important public safety services it provides.

The details

The new K9 officer joined the force in November 2025, expanding the department's K9 capabilities. K9 Deputy Nolan Burke noted the community has been very supportive of the program, and the deputies are happy to provide demonstrations for schools and other local groups to showcase the dogs' abilities.

  • The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved the $2,000 donation at their meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The second K9 officer was added to the sheriff's department in November 2025.

The players

Washington County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Washington County, Iowa that approved the donation to the Sheriff's K9 fund.

Kalona Sales Barn

A local business in Washington County that donated $2,000 to the Sheriff's K9 program.

K9 Deputy Nolan Burke

A 10-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff's K9 unit who oversees the department's K9 operations.

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What they’re saying

“Community support has been great. I've been a K9 now with the community for 10 years and this is my second dog, and all fully supported by the community. If there are any schools, or community groups, projects, things like that, that are interested in learning more, or interested in some sort of demonstration, we happily oblige anytime we can. We are happy to bring the dogs out and show you what they can do.”

— K9 Deputy Nolan Burke

The takeaway

The Washington County Sheriff's K9 program is a valuable public safety resource that is entirely dependent on community donations, highlighting the importance of local businesses and residents supporting their law enforcement agencies.