Under the warm glow of city hall lights, the Kearney Board of Aldermen convened on May 20, 2024, to discuss key initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety and services. Among the highlights of the meeting was the approval of a cooperative agreement with Boone County for canine basic training services, a move that promises to bolster the capabilities of the Kearney Police Department.

Chief of Police, along with Officer Jeff Parton, who is set to become a K-9 handler, shared their excitement about the upcoming addition of a second police dog. The process is already underway, with Officer Parton preparing to select the dog from a group in Pennsylvania. Following this selection, the dog will undergo pre-training before returning to Boone County for further training. The Chief expressed enthusiasm for this development, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on local law enforcement.

The ordinance was presented and swiftly passed through two readings, receiving unanimous support from the board members. Alderman King, Alderman Barker, Alderman Holt, and Alderman Raymond all voted in favor, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the council. The meeting concluded with a light-hearted moment as members encouraged Officer Parton to share a picture of the new dog once selected, along with its name.

In addition to the canine training agreement, the board also addressed a motion regarding a lease purchase agreement for city equipment, presented by Finance Director Stephanie Harris. This initiative aims to ensure that Kearney's municipal services remain efficient and effective.

As the meeting wrapped up, the sense of community and commitment to public safety was palpable, leaving residents with a hopeful outlook on the future of their city’s law enforcement capabilities.