Geary County Sheriff's Office Release
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Four local K-9s and their handlers were honored by the K9 Quilt of Honor this last Thursday, July 24, at Milford State Park, 3612 State Park Rd.
Geary County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Handler Deputy Cayla Da Giau and her partner Enzo, and K-9 Handler Deputy James Regalado with his K-9 partner, Klesta, are two of the four being honored.
The other two, from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game, are Warden Lt. Lance Hockett and K9 Kodak, and Game Warden Jake Brooke, along with his partner Kreed. Both are from the Milford Office.
The K9 Quilt of Honor recognizes Law Enforcement Officers on the local, state, and federal level, Military, Fire working K9s and their handlers for their willingness to serve their community and stand in harm’s way to keep its people safe.
“I am incredibly proud of our K9 units, not only for their outstanding work in fighting crime, but also for their dedication to community outreach through school visits and local events. Having them recognized by the K9 Quilt organization is a tremendous honor for our Office. Carolyn Blum’s work on this nationwide project is truly remarkable,” said Sheriff Nate Boeckman.
The Geary County Sheriff’s Office K-9s were brought to the attention of Carolyn H. Blum, founder of K9 Quilt, by her grandson Cody, who attends Milford Elementary School. He met Enzo and Klesta at Camp Shield, put on by the Geary County Community Involvement Team, and at school. It was Cody who brought them to the attention of his grandmother, and Cody’s mom keeps up with K9 units around the area, according to Blum.
The K9 Quilt effort began with Kobi, a K9 deputy, who retired from the Indian River County (FL) Sheriff’s Office at the height of the pandemic when law enforcement was having challenges in June of 2020. Blum felt someone needed to share with Handler Sgt. Bryan and K9 Kobi, that there were people who still respected and valued their service.