Deputy Brian Kilpatrick and Explosive Detection K9 Boomer returned home from a national canine competition with five first-place national titles and one third-place national title.  

The 20th Annual Vohne Liche Kennels Certifications and Trials, also known as the ‘K9 Olympics,’ took place from August 18th through August 23rd in Denver, Indiana. Each year, canine teams from as far away as Brazil, and as close to home as Arlington Heights, including Department of Defense Special Forces, State and local police departments, sheriff's offices, and private contract K9 teams, come together to test the handler’s abilities and the K9's skills in explosive detection and patrol work.  

While at the largest ‘K9 Olympics’ in the country, canine teams were able to complete the mandated canine certification recognized by the State of Illinois.  130 individual canine teams participated in this five-day event.  Canine teams were evaluated and scored on their ability to complete timed scenarios.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Boomer placed in the following events:

1st Place Explosive Door Bottoms

1st Place Explosive Warehouse

1st Place Explosive Buildings

1st Place Overall K9

1st Place Overall K9 Team

3rd Place Scentlogix Detection (The award is a complete Scentlogix explosive detection kit valued at $3,000.00)

Sheriff John Idleburg said, “We are so proud of Explosive Detection Canine Boomer and his partner, Deputy Brian Kilpatrick.  Lake County is very fortunate to have this amazing explosive detection canine team right here in the county.  They are often requested to respond to large events where large crowds are expected, in Lake County and around the region, to conduct explosive sweeps, ensuring those in attendance are safe.”