NEW ADDITION – Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Morgan, left, and Deputy Dante DiJirolanio sit with K-9 Kennie Monday morning at Clarke Field. Kennie is the latest addition to the office’s K-9 unit and will be used exclusively for tracking. He is 3 months old and at the beginning stages of his training. -- Stephanie Ujhelyi

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County’s newest K-9 took time for a “play date” with area kids before beginning his training Monday morning.

K-9 Kennie, along with his handler, Deputy Dante DiJirolanio, and other members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Division, visited Clarke Field in Newell to introduce the 3-month-old bloodhound to children attending a summer playgroup there.

Attendance was a little down due to the excessive heat, but Kennie didn’t seem to mind. As the only dog on the playground, he drew much attention and loved his time with the youngsters in the baby pool, where he could cool off.

DiJirolanio explained that he picked up Kennie last month, and the training process is ongoing.

In fact, on Monday all the officers were heading to another location with their dogs, which they left in the climate-controlled vehicles during the play date.

Bloodhounds are known for their tremendous tracking ability. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is using Kennie exclusively for that purpose. He will be used to locate suspects, missing children and dementia patients.

“He is doing very well, but he isn’t certified and ready to go yet,” DiJirolanio explained.

Kennie was born in Leitchfield, Ky., at Bluegrass Bloodhounds. Nine generations of his bloodline have worked in law enforcement, according to DiJirolanio.

The addition of Kennie puts the Hancock County Sheriff’s K-9 unit up to five dogs, including Gabe, Kevin, Sandro and Magor. However, it won’t be for long.

DiJirolanio, who also is K-9 Kevin’s handler, said that Kevin will retire by year’s end for health reasons. All the other K-9 dogs are dual-purpose patrol dogs and German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mixes.

To contribute to the K-9 fund, which makes this program possible, reach out to either organization President Hugh Tate or Vice President DiJirolanio by phone at (304) 564-3311 or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCDSAWV/