K9 Spartan passes state certification

K9 Spartan’s safety and health enhanced due to generous gifts

 Rosiclare Chief of Police Brian Burton announced that K9 Spartan is fully certified. On May 1, 2026, the duo traveled to the Mobile Team Unit (MTU) #10 in Decatur, Illinois where Spartan aced the Illinois Tube Test. The Illinois Tube Test is an annual, mandatory, 20-container screening designed to evaluate a K9’s ability to detect illegal narcotics. It requires 100% accuracy in locating four DEA-issued drug odors among distractions (including cannabis) within 15 minutes. 

 Spartan will be tested for recertification yearly and is required to train at least 16 logged hours per month. Chief Burton said that will be easily accomplished since they train together continually.

 Chief Burton said that he hopes to do some community outreach  with Spartan and possibly put on a demonstration for students at the school. He wants everyone to remember that when they see Spartan in public, he is working. As with any pet or service animal, it is important to ask the owner or handler before interacting with it.  

 Three generous gifts –

 Many people see and appreciate the value of K9s and want to contribute to the success of their role. Spartan is no exception and has received a few items that will keep him safe as he works to keep our communities safer.

 Lana Pedigo, a private citizen in Plainfield, Indiana, purchased a bullet proof vest for Spartan. The vest is valued at $2,010. She is a big supporter of Redemption Ranch K9 Rescue and appreciates the value of K9s. While attending the December 2025 K9 graduation, out of all the dogs trained, Lana chose Spartan to support.

 Spartan is tolerating the vest well and knows the routine when it’s time to go to work. Spartan willingly gets suited up and will even lift a leg to get into his gear.  Spartan knows that work equals treats!  

 While in the initial 160 hours of training, Chief Burton took a required first aid class for K9s. He said it was an interesting class and he learned so much to support Spartan while he serves his communities. While there, Chief Burton applied to a not for profit company, “Protecting K9 Heroes,” to receive a free specialized K9 trauma kit. Months later, Chief Burton unexpectedly received a package in the mail and discovered Spartan had been chosen as the recipient of the gift. The kit contains important care items, such as: a thermometer, gauze, tick remover, blanket, quick clot, alcohol, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment, Narcan, and more.

 Last Tuesday, Spartan got special treatment with Rachel Atkinson at The Pooch Crew. Chief Burton said she bathed and groomed him, and did a fantastic job keeping up with his hyper personality. Atkinson agreed to provide grooming for Spartan, one way her business can give back to her community.

 Chief Burton said a fund has been set up for Spartan at Rosiclare City Hall and monetary donations are welcomed from those who want to help support Spartan. A receipt will be given to donors for tax purposes.

 Dennis to K9 Spartan transformation –

 K9 Spartan was a rescue who was set to be euthanized until he was given a second chance at Redemption Ranch K9 Rescue, a not for profit (501c3) charitable organization in Plainfield, Indiana. There, from shelter to shield, Spartan and other dogs received expert training and rehabilitation to become highly trained police canines. These dogs gain a purpose and new lease on life, all at the same time elevating the effectiveness of small local law enforcement agencies serving and protecting their communities. 

 In December 2025, Spartan became a K9 Officer for the Rosiclare Police Department, with his handler being Rosiclare Police Chief Brian Burton. 

 Spartan is a Belgian Malinois. They are highly intelligent, intensely energetic, and an athletic herding breed renowned for its work ethic, loyalty, and protective nature.

 Before being taken in at Redemption Ranch, Spartan’s original name was Dennis. As part of the program, dogs in training are renamed by their handler. Chief Burton found the name Spartan fitting because he would be primarily serving at his base in Rosiclare, a town once known  as the “FluorSPAR Capital of the World.” As a requirement of being Spartan’s handler, he lives with Chief Burton and his family. He has already gained the nickname “Spar Spar” from Chief Burton’s children, Riley and Maverick.

 

Published in the May 21, 2026 Hardin County Independent.

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