Tipton Police Department introduces K-9 unit

TIPTON - Rolled over on her belly, Bullet was welcomed by a cluster of Tipton residents Friday.

On a respite from training, the Belgian Malinois and her handler were introduced as Tipton's mayor and police chief celebrated Cedar County's first K-9 unit.

K9s4COPS, a non-profit based in Houston, gave a grant to help cover costs for the 15-month-old dog and her handler. Officer Scott McGlaughlin and Bullet have completed a portion of what could be an eight-week training process.

When completed, McGlaughlin's new partner will scour for missing people and search for drugs in cars, lockers or other hiding places.

Tipton Mayor Shirley Kepford said the dog will be used for periodic drug searches at the high school and to assist nearby towns. The department is about 40 minutes from the nearest K-9 unit, which makes Bullet all the more important.

Cedar Rapids artist Santiago Sanchez said he feels so strongly about the issue that he donated a painting of the dog to the Tipton Police Department. A limited number of prints are being sold, with the proceeds going toward Bullet's care.

'(Bullet) helps keep drugs away from young people ...

and keeps drugs out of the school system,” Sanchez said.

'Long after I'm gone, I want (the police departments) to be able to use the painting as collateral so they can get even more K-9s,” he said. '(Donating the paintings) is just a function of my prosperity, and it feels so good to be able to offer a small little piece of that.”

Other local businesses also have stepped in, offering veterinary care and food, which McGlaughlin says conveys how supportive the community has been.

The support extends to the three-year officer's family. A donor picked Bullet's name, which led to a coincidence.

Scott McGlaughlin's dad, Don, worked for the Iowa State Patrol and his K-9's name also was Bullet.

Don McGlaughlin said 'fate” led to the new Bullet. He advised his son that the training process is far from easy, but results in a reliable partner.

Basking in the shade, Bullet appeared to enjoy the attention.

'There's no wall you have to break down with them, dogs either like you or they don't,” Scott McGlaughlin said. 'Having (Bullet) there is going to be like having a new best friend ...

in the past I've known how dogs can sense when you're having a bad day, so it's like therapy.

'It's a twofold-deal: a friendship and a partnership.”