NEBRASKA CITY – City commissioners gave their approval Monday for the Nebraska City Police Department to seek donations for a second police k9 unit.

Police Chief Ben Murry said the current k9 unit is totally funded by donations and he expects public support around $89,000 for the second unit as well.

Murry: “I do believe a second k9 would benefit the citizens of Nebraska city just for the simple fact that it would allow us to put a k9 out there more days Sunday through Sunday.”

Police Sgt. Chris Richardson handled the retired K9 Mack and has had k9 Alex for about a year.

Murry said Mack had 152 deployments and Alex 42.

The k9 unit has assisted nine different agencies and assisted with seizure of narcotics, weapons in possession of felons and counterfeit cash.

Murry: “We have increased our deployment within the school system, searching lockers, backpacks  and as a result have seen a drastic decrease in the presence of narcotics on school property.”

In tracking missing persons or fugitive, Alex has been used three times recently and assisted in an apprehension that resulted in no injuries to law enforcement or the public.

Murry said it may take too long to activate a k9 unit that is not on duty, but a unit on duty is used regularly by law enforcement.

He said the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office also has two k9 units.

 

 

Mayor Bryan Bequette and Chief Murry also introduced Michael Odom as the newest police sergeant.

Sgt. Odom comes to Nebraska City from Lexington, N.C., where he joined the police department in 2010. He and his family moved to Nebraska City in 2021, when joined the Nebraska City Police Department.

Murry: “Sgt. Odom is a great asset to the community and an amazing asset to our department.”

The sergeant’s post became available with the appointment of Murry to chief of police.