Spartan: Rosiclare’s new K-9 to serve Hardin County

 

Above left – City of Rosiclare Mayor Roy Tolbert, Rosiclare Police Officer Brian Burton and K-9 Spartan receiving contribution to go to purchase of a K-9 vehicle.

Above right -Spartan in his fully equipped K-9 vehicle.

 

L- Hardin County Sheriff J.T. Fricker’s Department contributing to the cost of K-9 vehicle. Pictured with Rosiclare Police Officer Brian Burton and K-9 Spartan.

R- Rosiclare Police Officer Brian Burton and K-9 Spartan receiving a contribution from Elizabethtown Village President Dean Winters on behalf of the Village.

 

Local municipalities and departments support and contribute to purchase of fully equipped K-9 vehicle

By Jennifer Lane, Editor

The City of Rosiclare recently approved the addition of a K-9 unit, a trained police dog, to join ranks with handler and newly sworn in Rosiclare Police Officer Brian Burton. The K-9, named Spartan, will serve not only the Rosiclare Police Department, but the duo will assist other officers in Hardin County as needs arise.
“I hope that Spartan is able to help save lives by deterring people from using drugs,” said Burton. “ And, I hope his presence sends a clear message to those who might consider bringing drugs into our communities, that we are not going to tolerate it.”
Hardin County Sheriff J.T. Fricker explained that any time a County officer or City or Village officer needs back up, they have cooperative agreements in place to provide resources, equipment, and expertise during emergencies or for specific situations. This agreement will allow Officer Burton and K-9 Spartan to leave their post in Rosiclare and assist with their specialized services anywhere in Hardin County.
“I believe one hundred percent that having the new K-9 will help our fight with drugs,” said Hardin County Sheriff J.T. Fricker. “I believe that we miss a lot of stuff during searches that the dog will find.”
Sheriff Fricker gave an example.
“Say we stop someone for something as simple as not using a turn signal. They may have all their paperwork up to date, but they may have a trunk full of drugs. And we would never know it because we wouldn’t have probable cause to search the vehicle.”
He said the K-9 may indicate on an open air hit and then we would have probable cause to search.
Spartan, a male Belgian Malinois, was a rescue who was set to be euthanized until he was given a second chance at Redemption Ranch K9. Redemption Ranch is a not for profit (501c3) charitable organization in Plainfield, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. There, from shelter to shield, Spartan and other dogs receive expert training and rehabilitation to become highly trained police canines. These dogs gain a purpose and new lease on life, all at the same elevating the effectiveness of small local law enforcement agencies serving and protecting their communities.
Not only is Spartan professionally trained, he came to the City of Rosiclare at no charge. Thanks to generous donors and sponsors of Redemption Ranch K9, the financial burden is lifted on small departments. Officer Burton and Spartan will leave for two weeks of training at Redemption Ranch, from December 1-17, 2025. The handler training and lodging costs are also covered by the organization. Redemption Ranch purchases Spartan’s first year of dog food and veterinary costs. Spartan will live with his handler, Officer Burton, who will be in charge of his care.
Officer Burton said future fundraisers will be held to fund his care past year one.
Earlier this fall, in anticipation for a K-9, Officer Burton purchased a law enforcement vehicle, 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, that was fully equipped to transport a K-9. Many agencies consider it standard practice to issue a dedicated vehicle for each K-9 team to ensure the dog’s safety. He attended area Village Board meetings and a County Board meeting where he discussed the importance and purpose of adding a K-9 officer for use within the County. Officer Burton answered questions and addressed concerns that Board members had.
Officer Burton explained that having a K-9 for use within the County has monumental benefits as follows:
A K-9 serves as a deterrent for residents using drugs illegally, and to those who are bringing drugs into the County.
He said when the K-9 is used during a traffic stop or call and narcotics are detected, the K-9 will indicate to his handler, giving probable cause for a search. Under regular conditions, drugs often go undetected because there is no probable cause to search the vehicle or person.
Not only is Spartan professionally trained and certified to find narcotics, he is also trained to track and locate missing people.
“Spartan will be a valuable and instantaneous resource for someone who is unable to be located,” said Officer Burton. “Precious time can be saved, instead of waiting on other agencies to respond to bring the person back home safely.”
Sheriff Fricker said that they usually have someone go missing within Hardin County two to three times per year. He said it’s often a lost hiker, a child, or someone with dementia.
“On the average you are looking at 45 minutes to an hour, depending on who is available, for people with tracking dogs to arrive,” said Sheriff Fricker. “By the grace of God, in past situations whenever we are getting everything ready for a search, someone will find the person and they are returned home safely.”
Officer Burton asked each of the four local Boards if they wanted to support this resource and make an intergovernmental agreement to help fund the cost of the fully equipped canine vehicle. Not all were able to contribute to the purchase of the vehicle, but Hardin County Sheriff’s Department contributed $7,500; City of Rosiclare contributed $3,750; Village of Elizabethtown contributed $3,750; and $3,500 was given by a private donor. The City of Rosiclare now owns the vehicle.
Sheriff Fricker said the Sheriff’s Department was supportive of the decision and contributed toward the purchase of the K-9 vehicle saying, “Maybe this dog will be a great resource and blessing to the County.”
As part of a recommended adjustment period, Spartan has lived with Officer Burton for about two months. Spartan had his first police shift at Rosiclare last Sunday, November 17th and did great. Spartan can only ride along for now, but will soon be put to work after completion of the two week handler training in the first half of December.
December will be a memorable time of transition for the Rosiclare Police Department. Long-time Rosiclare Police Chief Charles Lampert of 24 years, will be retiring. Officer Burton will become the new Rosiclare Police Chief and Spartan will be officially sworn in as the City of Rosiclare’s first K-9 Police Officer. K-9 Spartan will work full time …. that is … unless he needs to take a sick day.

 

Published in the November 27, 2025 Hardin County Independent.

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