Broward Sheriff’s Office K9 unit.

By: Jen Russon

When School Board Member Lori Alhadeff began gauging how her constituents felt about allowing K9 unit dogs to randomly show up at their children’s schools, she was overwhelmed by the positive reception.

Alhadeff indicated that the trained and certified dogs not only stop armed suspects, they could also assist with searches for drugs and other illegal contraband.

Presentations from the Margate Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office, both coordinated by Alhadeff will teach the community how easy it is for trained dogs to sniff out contraband and ensure a safer campus.

Alhadeff has said that nothing is more important than keeping our schools safe. Her 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, was killed in the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas on February 14, 2018. Ever since winning a school board seat last November, she has pushed for improved security measures in district schools.

If audiences react well to the presentations, Alhadeff said she would raise the question of bringing a canine presence into Broward County Public Schools at the next board meeting.

The presentations set up by Alhadeff will take place at two different times on Monday, November 25. The 10 a.m. event will be held at the Dunkin Donuts on 5610 W Sample Road in Coral Springs, and the second presentation will be held at 6 p.m. so that more working families can attend.  That one will be in the Parkland PREC Center, located at 10559 Trails End.