UPDATE: Hutch police K-9 officer officially on duty

Updated Thursday, Jan. 24, 11:32 a.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department now has a new K-9 unit. Officer Tank was given his badge with the number 109 on it.

New K-9 officer Tank with his handler, Officer James Sanders.

While they say Tank completed his training and will now be on patrol, his handler, officer James Sanders says it was really him who went through the training:

Sanders says the dog is living with him to help with that bond.

The ceremony was held inside the Reno County Courthouse in an area empty after county departments moved across the street to the Reno County Annex. It consisted of some comments from Hutchinson Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper and a member from Cause for Pause.

Chief Hooper talked about the help of Cause for Pause and how the organization made the whole thing possible:

In addition to detecting drugs, Chief Hooper says Tank could potentially save a life:

Tank received his badge during the ceremony.

Original Story

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It was one of the many changes New Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper wanted to implement in the force. A K-9 unit.

And Thursday morning Chief Hooper will be swearing in the new K-9 to join his handler, Officer James Sanders. Tank, will wear badge number 109. Tank has completed his training and will be on patrol in the next couple of days.

Tank has been trained in narcotics detection and tracking. The ceremony will be in the front lobby of the LEC starting at 9 a.m. so people can be there without having to go through courthouse security.