Opelika – In honor and memory of Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson, GK9PG announced that the Blount and Macon County Sheriff’s Departments are the first two 2023 recipients of the newly founded Larry Amerson School Safety Scholarship. GK9PG is excited to award Blount and Macon Counties these two scholarships, developed out of our Paws on Patrol School Safety Program, in support of their public and school safety initiatives. In addition to the procurement, training and implementation of these elite and specialized canines, all training and certifications for the two School Resource Officers appointed from Blount and Macon County will also be included in the scholarship award by GK9PG.
At an awards luncheon held Friday August 18, 2023 in Anniston, Alabama, GK9PG Vice President of Commercial Services, Michael Larkin said, “GK9PG’s Paws on Patrol School Safety Program is the first in the country to bring together both public and private sector agencies to address gun violence in our schools. He went on to say, “Our mission is all about training world-class detection dogs that offer a level of safety and security for every community, which we accomplish by advancing the art and science of detection dog capabilities with our specialized, elite dog training methodology.”
Alabama State Senator Keith Kelley also addressed the group to express his thanks for Paws on Patrol helping the school systems in Alabama become safer. “A lot of times you don’t get to see the impact of having a deterrent, such as a firearms detection dog. We hope these dogs can stop a possible attack before it happens.”
Lisa Amerson, widow of Sheriff Larry Amerson and member of the Calhoun County School Board said, “I think it’s an honor to have Larry’s name associated with this scholarship. He created the SRO program for the Calhoun County School District.”
GK9PG is known for delivering elite canine screening services led by experienced security and logistics professionals, focused on providing highly trained, quality canines and handlers, with the goal of improving national security and addressing pressing security threats across both public and private sector communities.
Video Credit: WBRC FOX6 News: https://www.wbrc.com/video/2023/08/19/paws-patrol-program/
