ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
Seward County said goodbye to one of its employees Thursday afternoon, this time of the four-legged variety.
K-9 Britt got a farewell reception in his honor. The canine officer most recently has been handled by Deputy Bryan Flohr, and Flohr’s supervisor, Sgt. Bo Jacobs, said having a dog as a guest of honor was a much bigger draw than any human.
“I’ve had the pleasure to supervise K-9 handler Deputy Flohr and K-9 Britt since March 2023,” Jacobs said. “K-9 Britt came to us from the retired life after serving the Liberal Police Department for two years. In March 2023, K-9 Britt decided to see what life was like on the better side of life here at the sheriff’s office, though I’m sure our friends over at the PD might have a different opinion.”
Jacobs said Britt brought many smiles to many children at school presentations in addition to his other duties.
“Britt also worked tirelessly by keeping illegal drugs off the street and during midnight shifts by making sure Bryan didn’t accidentally mistake his steering wheel for a pillow,” he said.
Jacobs called the bond between Flohr and Britt truly one of a kind.
“After six and a half years of dedicated service, Britt is officially hanging up his leash and collar,” Jacobs said.
The Seward County Sheriff’s office will welcome its newest K-9, Jimmy, in April, but Jacobs said Britt is not going far.
“Deputy Flohr is officially adopting his partner from the county,” he said. “K-9 Britt, I thank you for your service to our county and Deputy Flohr for the incredible work and dedication it takes to be a K-9 handler.”
Britt received many toys from those on hand, and Sheriff Gene Ward presented him with a badge with his name and the phrase “Retired K-9” on it. Like Jacobs, Ward said Britt’s service has been appreciated.
“Britt has saved his handler on a few calls, and he’s gained a lot of respect in the community for all the things he’s done for the community,” Ward said.
As is tradition with a retiring officer of either human or canine, a final call was given for Britt’s service by dispatcher Valerie Timmer, who talked about the years of service the K-9 officer provided to local law enforcement.
“K-9 Britt started his assistance in Liberal in 2019,” she said. “He served with the LPD for two years, then went for two years to live the life of a pampered pet. In 2023, K-9 Britt decided the pampered pet life was not for him.”
Timmer said this is when Britt came back to service for the citizens of both Liberal and Seward County.
“K-9 Britt has a total of 311 deployments, seized $1.6 million of illegal narcotics, along with $45,000 in U.S. currency,” she said. “K-9 Britt has many certificates to his name, but the most important one is that he is the goodest boy. K-9 Britt, the citizens of Seward County thank you for your service and dedication to keeping our families safe. Enjoy your retirement, and tell your dad you deserve all the toys.”
