For most of the history of the Jefferson County sheriff’s office, there was no K-9 unit. Starting in the late 1990s, the sheriff’s office realized the benefits of K-9 deputies.
One of those K-9 deputies was Sgt. Ioni May. In May 2021, the sheriff’s office acquired Ioni, a dual-purpose dog named in honor of J. Thomas “Tommy” May, former president and CEO of Simmons First National Bank and now chairman and CEO of Simmons First Foundation.
But now, the sheriff’s office’s two-dog K-9 unit is down one with Ioni’s retirement, according to a news release.
“Based on the consultation of multiple findings of Ioni’s last medical assessment for fitness of duty, it was recommended and later determined that it was in the best interest to remove Ioni from service and to medically retire him due to the significant impact of operational readiness. Ioni’s health at present time presents a considerable liability risk, particularly during bite deployments, and the extended medical treatment would disrupt training and service capabilities,” according to the release.
In accordance with Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training Rule 1029(1)(b), Ioni was officially removed from service, pending decertification procedures with the CLEST rules to formally conclude Ioni’s certification status as medically retired.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Sheriff K-9s like Ioni have been a valuable tool in this agency’s mission to protect and serve the citizens of Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. “When it comes to a sense of duty, pound for pound, they have no equal.”
Woods said dogs such as Ioni have served as a valuable resource for the sheriff’s office, especially in the area of the protection of deputies, whose closest backup could be several minutes away.
“In the finest spirit of public service, Ioni demonstrated exemplary service in carrying out duties in which were assigned,” said Woods. “It is with our deepest respect and gratitude that we honor him for his tireless devotion to duty.”
As part of the sheriff’s office’s customary practice, Ioni’s last handler, former deputy sheriff Cory Lowery, will care for the retired dog.
JCSO’S K-9 PROGRAM
In the 1990’s, the sheriff’s office obtained one of its first K-9s, Arno, and assigned him to the Uniformed Patrol Division. However, it wasn’t until early 1999 that the agency was able to form a dedicated K-9 unit serving patrol as well as their narcotics division with two dual purpose K-9s, said a news release.
Since its inception, the sheriff’s office has had much success with its K-9s. Most notably, Sgt. Prins, the sheriff’s office’s second Belgian Malinois dual purpose police dog was ranked first among law enforcement dog in Arkansas in the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association competitions, and ranked 11th in the U.S. overall.
“Ioni May was trained in narcotics detection, suspect apprehension, and tracking. Since 2021, Ioni has served as a valuable tool in (the sheriff’s office’s) mission of being ‘Dedicated to Service’ by enhancing public safety and supporting deputies in the enforcement of laws through the deployment of highly trained canines capable of performing both patrol and detection duties, thereby increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of law enforcement operations while fostering positive community engagement.
“They never hesitate to chase down a suspect; when they start barking orders, you can bet crooks listen; and when their shift is over, all they ask is a little kibble and a game of catch,” according to the news release.
“Sheriff K-9s are elite members of (the sheriff’s office) Uniform Patrol Division and they are one of law enforcement’s most valuable assets.”
