Galena Police Revives K-9 Unit with New Partner Storm

BREAKING: The Galena Police Department has officially revitalized its K-9 unit with the introduction of Storm, a young Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix, now partnered with Officer Riese Federman. This exciting development, announced in March, has already begun to make an impact on local law enforcement efforts.

Officer Federman, who has been with the Galena Police for two years, expressed her enthusiasm for working alongside Storm. “It’s just rewarding to see him grow,” she stated, highlighting the importance of their developing partnership. The K-9 unit’s revival was made possible by a generous $20,000 donation from a Wisconsin resident, specifically allocated for the K-9 program.

Storm, only 1.5 years old, is still undergoing training to become a versatile asset for the department. Federman noted that both she and Storm are learning rapidly, as they work together to build the skills necessary for effective law enforcement. “He’s very curious and loves to meet new people,” she added, showcasing Storm’s friendly demeanor.

Previously, the Galena Police Department had a K-9 unit led by former Officer Devin Halstead, whose partner, Hektor, served until May 2023. According to Galena Police Sgt. Keith Brandel, Hektor was instrumental in narcotics searches and served as a valuable deterrent during high-stress situations. “The presence of a K-9 a lot of times will deter anything from escalating,” Brandel explained.

Since their initial training, which concluded in May at Jessiffany Canine Services in Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, Federman and Storm have been busy. They are required to complete 16 training hours each month and undergo annual certifications to ensure they remain proficient in various operational roles. Storm is classified as a dual-purpose dog, trained for narcotics detection, tracking, apprehension, and bite work.

The pair has already been deployed approximately six to seven times for traffic stops and four to five times for building searches and perimeter checks. This activity underscores the immediate value of having a K-9 unit back in service, especially when collaboration with other law enforcement agencies is necessary.

Brandel praised Officer Federman’s efforts, stating, “She’s doing a great job with Storm. As a department, we’re really excited to get our K-9 unit back here.” The return of the K-9 unit not only enhances the capabilities of the Galena Police but also reassures the community of their commitment to effective policing.

For Officer Federman, the job is both challenging and rewarding. “It was very eye-opening, as well as a lot of hard work,” she reflected on the training process. “But you push through it. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever done.”

As Federman and Storm continue their journey together, the Galena community can expect to see a significant boost in their local law enforcement efforts. With their dedication and training, the K-9 unit is set to become a vital resource for the department and an essential part of keeping the community safe.

Stay tuned for more updates as Officer Federman and Storm further establish their presence in Galena’s law enforcement landscape.