Looking Ahead: Strengthening Lamar County’s K-9 Program for a Safer Community

Every community reaches moments where it has to ask an honest question: where are we today, and where do we want to be tomorrow?

Lamar County is no different. It is a growing county with strong roots, hardworking families, and law enforcement officers who show up every day to protect and serve. At the same time, Lamar faces real challenges, including ongoing drug activity and trafficking. Addressing those challenges requires the right tools, the right training, and the right leadership.

One of the most important tools in modern law enforcement is a well-supported police K-9 program.

Why K-9 Units Matter in Lamar County

Police dogs are not just an added resource. They are a critical part of public safety, especially in counties like Lamar that are known to struggle with narcotics activity. K-9s play a direct role in locating illegal drugs, disrupting trafficking routes, and assisting officers during high-risk situations.

Today, there have been growing concerns within the community about the state of Lamar County’s K-9 program. Claims have circulated that the county is currently operating with only one working police K-9, down from two in years past. There have also been concerns that once the remaining K-9 retires, the program could potentially be phased out altogether.

If Tim Brown is elected Sheriff of Lamar County, that will not happen. Ever.

A Clear Commitment to Public Safety

Tim Brown firmly believes that a strong K-9 program is essential to protecting both the public and the deputies who serve Lamar County. These dogs are highly trained professionals in their own right, specializing in critical areas such as narcotics detection, explosive detection, tracking, and apprehension.

In many cases, police dogs are the difference between a dangerous situation escalating or being resolved safely. They help locate suspects, protect officers during apprehensions, and assist victims in crisis. They are also invaluable during emergencies and natural disasters. In situations such as tornado damage or large-scale searches, K-9s can locate individuals who may be deaf, unable to speak, or otherwise difficult to find using traditional methods alone.

This is about safety, preparedness, and responsibility.

Where Lamar County Could Be

Ideally, a Sheriff’s Office should have as many working K-9s as possible. At a bare minimum, Tim believes Lamar County should have four fully operational police K-9s. That structure allows for proper coverage across day and night shifts, while also ensuring backup is available if a dog is sidelined due to health issues, injury, or retirement.

Police dogs typically have a working lifespan of around six years, with roughly two of those years devoted to intensive training. That training is specialized, rigorous, and costly. Narcotics and explosives dogs, for example, are trained to focus on a single discipline, while dual-purpose dogs can assist with apprehension and detection work. All working K-9s must pass certification standards to operate in law enforcement.

While training and maintaining a K-9 program does require investment, Tim Brown understands that responsible leadership means finding solutions that protect public safety without placing unnecessary strain on taxpayers.

A Smarter Approach to Funding

One of the most important parts of Tim’s plan is using available grant opportunities that Lamar County already qualifies for. These grants can significantly reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the financial burden on local taxpayers.

That means more trained police dogs on the streets, better protection for officers and residents, and smarter use of existing resources. It is not about spending more for the sake of spending. It is about investing wisely in proven tools that save lives and strengthen the community.

Leadership with a Long-Term View

This conversation is not about where Lamar County has been. It is about where it can go.

Tim Brown’s vision is simple and steady: a Sheriff’s Office that is prepared, well-equipped, and committed to proactive public safety. A K-9 program is a key part of that vision, not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

With the right leadership, Lamar County can move forward with confidence, knowing its deputies have the tools they need and its residents have the protection they deserve.

That is the future Tim Brown is committed to building for Lamar County.

VIEW TIM'S PLAN AS SHERIFF