(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Department will be adding a drug sniffing K-9 to its force. 

Sheriff John Merchant told the County Commission Monday that after looking into it for a year, he feels the K-9 is needed.
    
Merchant says the black lab named Ari is being purchased for $5,500, which includes training.

He says Deputy Cody Spire will serve as the dog’s handler.

Merchant says while the K-9’s major purpose will be for drug detection, the dog will also be used for therapy/comfort purposes.  He said dog can be used to help a child that’s gone through a traumatic event.  

In other business, Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Lowe informed the Commission that he’s taking a position with the Hiawatha Police Department.

Lowe said the reason he’s leaving the county after five years is because the city provides better health insurance benefits for his family.  He said it cost him more than $1,100 a month for health insurance coverage for his family through the county’s plan, while he will only be paying $100 a month on the city’s plan.

Lowe said he has enjoyed his time with the county and hopes the Commission can find a way to improve the cost of insurance.

He’s to begin work with the Hiawatha Police Department on September 1st.