New bomb detecting dog

Tippecanoe County now has another K9 joining the police force.
Iron, the one year old dog is the newest addition to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department.
 

"We picked him up about 2 1/2 months ago and we started a 5 1/2 week program up at the kennels where we train together.  I learned how to work with him," said Deputy Shane Howard.
 

Iron's primary role is detecting explosives.

"This is the back up that I have and he's seconds away, so it does make me feel a little bit better when I'm out on patrol," said  Howard.
 

Iron's skills were already put to the test this month.

"We had a bomb threat at the Indiana Packers about a week ago and he actually worked the Purdue Graduation Ceremonies doing detection," said Howard.
 

Deputy Howard said after the bomb threat, he's confident in Iron's abilities.
 

"It's nice going from training to actually seeing him in a real world environment again at the Indiana Packers and he did such a great job and I was proud just to see that training come into play," said Howard.
 

But, what's Iron's reward for detecting explosive materials,  a simple tennis ball.
 

"That's his drive, he wants that tennis ball very badly.  That's his toy and his ultimate award and he loves to have that.  If  he can find that odor that means he's getting a treat," said Howard.
 

Although Iron's job keeps him busy, one of his favorite things to do, is give his partner a hug.