BREAKING: The Galena Police Department has officially reinstated its K-9 unit with the arrival of a new partner, a Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix named Storm. Officer Riese Federman, who has been with the department for just two years, expressed excitement about this new partnership, stating, “It’s just rewarding to see him grow.”
This development comes after a generous $20,000 donation from a Wisconsin woman, specifically allocated to re-establish the K-9 program. Storm, only 1.5 years old, is currently undergoing rigorous training alongside Officer Federman to fulfill various roles, including narcotics detection and tracking.
In May 2023, Federman and Storm completed a comprehensive five-week training program at Jessiffany Canine Services in Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, where multiple regional K-9 units receive certification. They are now required to complete 16 training hours per month to maintain their skills.
The necessity of a K-9 unit was highlighted by Galena Police Sgt. Keith Brandel, who noted the operational benefits of having Storm available, not just for local law enforcement but also for neighboring departments. “They’re an outstanding asset and an awesome tool for any department to have,” Brandel stated.
Since commencing work, Storm has already been deployed approximately six to seven times for traffic stops and around four to five times for building searches, showcasing his readiness and versatility. Federman’s commitment to training Storm has also had personal rewards, as she described the process as “eye-opening” yet “the most rewarding job I’ve ever done.”
The city of Galena is funding all of Storm’s food and veterinary services, ensuring that the K-9 unit can operate effectively. Federman, who works on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays through Sundays, is always on call, making her and Storm a reliable duo for urgent situations.
As the Galena Police Department embraces this new chapter with Storm, the community looks forward to the enhanced safety and security that a dedicated K-9 unit can provide. The department is poised to make strides in public safety with their newest canine asset.
Stay tuned for more updates as Officer Federman and Storm continue to develop their partnership and serve the Galena community.
