A Cherokee County Sheriff's Office K9 Team was recently awarded an equipment donation, valued at over $1,300, from Spike's K9 Fund based out of Virginia Beach. Deputy Nate Jones and his K9 Partner Bear received an Ace K9 Hot and Pop Pro and Heat Alarm.

Sheriff David Groves said this equipment could potentially be lifesaving. Deputy Jones will be able to remotely and quickly open the back doors of the patrol unit and deploy Bear if he or another officer were involved in an altercation where Bear is needed. Groves said in addition, this device will constantly monitor the temperature inside the patrol unit and automatically take measures, such as activating the air conditioning or rolling down the windows.