K-9 officer with Florence Police Department receives special bulletproof vest

FLORENCE, Ky. —

Florence Police K-9, a five-year-old German Shepard named Ajax, has a new toy even the strongest dog can't tear apart.

"Bulletproof, stab-proof vest. So just knowing he's a little bit safer means the world," K-9 Handler Officer Blake Burkhardt said.

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Burkhardt recently got Ajax the vest given to Florence Police for free.

"I want to put that vest on him and just make sure he's as safe as possible," Burkhardt said.

We caught up with Ajax Wednesday who was in work mode and highly motivated, smelling out crack cocaine hidden in cabinets, performing obedience tasks, and biting down on an officer's protective arm guard during a drill.

In the real world, the vest protects Ajax's vital organs from any suspect with a knife or a gun.

"Whether we're going into a track or a building surge or heading into the woods and look for somebody, because a lot of the guys we're looking for, they're either violent offenders or there's a potential for them to be dangerous," Burkhardt said.

Ask any K-9 handler: their pup is more than their partner.

"It's the best job in the world. I couldn't ask for anything more," Burkhardt said. "It changed my life. He lives with me. He comes home with me every single day. I'm with him as much as I'm with any other member of my family."

Now, all four K-9s with Florence Police have these vests, keeping man's best friend and an officer's best asset safe.

"I wouldn't want to go to some of these calls without my vest on. So I feel like I shouldn't put him in there without his on either," Burkhardt said.

Police K9 Trials: Courage, Skill & Tactical Excellence

The Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo took over WestWorld of Scottsdale on November 8–9, bringing more than 70 elite dog-and-handler teams together for a high-intensity weekend of competition. These teams went head-to-head for the coveted “Top Dog” and “Hard Dog” titles, delivering jaw-dropping displays of Courage Beyond Instinct.

Across the Equidome field, crowds watched K9 units crush high-energy challenges—jumping, scaling obstacles, diving into vehicles, and running live-action pursuit scenarios. Every moment showcased precision, discipline, and the raw athleticism behind modern K9 policing.

The event wasn’t just mission-driven; it was fully family-friendly. Kids climbed inside fire engines and squad cars, checked out police helicopters up close, and explored tactical vehicles like The Rook and The Bear, engineered for blocking threats or breaking through structural barriers.

Overall, the expo delivered a powerful blend of action, education, and community engagement—putting the spotlight on the unmatched partnership between officers and their K9 partners.

Boomer’s Final March — Celebrating a Hero K-9’s Career at the Veterans Day Parade

Today we’re turning the spotlight on one special four-legged service member: Boomer — the bomb-detector dog of the Huntsville Police Department (HPD). After faithfully serving the community and playing a key role in keeping our city safe, Boomer completed his final major on-duty appearance at the city’s Veterans Day Parade. 🎖️

A Career of Service

Boomer has been a silent guardian behind the scenes, one of those invisible protectors we rarely think about until they’re gone. His role: detecting explosives, working in high-stress environments, and helping keep our public spaces safe. For the folks at HPD and for Huntsville, his work mattered.

The Final March

On Veterans Day, Boomer marched alongside law-enforcement personnel and parade officials — not just as a participant, but as the star of his own send-off. The parade became his final major official event. It wasn’t just a walk down the route; it was a well-earned moment of recognition.

Why It Matters

Symbolic: The presence of a K-9 like Boomer in the parade is a tribute to the role that service animals play in public safety.

Emotional: For the HPD unit he served with, for veterans attending, for the community watching — it’s a moment of pause and gratitude.

Transition: With his finishing this event, we’re entering the next chapter — Boomer’s retirement. This isn’t just the end of a job, but the start of a new life.

What’s Next?

Boomer’s retirement will bring calmer days: fewer alarms, more lounging, maybe some extra treats. For HPD, it means the team will shift resources, potentially bringing in or highlighting another K-9 unit. For the community, it’s a reminder of the sacrifices made — by humans and animals alike.

Watch the Moment

Thanks for stopping by to honor Boomer’s service. Feel free to share this post if you’d like to spread a little appreciation for our unsung K-9 heroes.