Keeping LKPD’s K-9 Partners Safe in the Summer Heat
Published on July 26, 2026
The sweltering summer heat is a brutal challenge for police officers, whose heavy equipment vests can add an extra 20 to 25 pounds to their daily load. While officers know the importance of staying hydrated, ensuring the safety of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s (LKPD) four-pawed partners is just as critical.
Fortunately, LKPD has gear in place to keep their K-9 heroes safe during these dangerous July temperatures.
Every K-9 equipped vehicle is outfitted with the F3 K-9 Deployment and Heat Alert System.
It constantly monitors the interior temperature of the vehicle to ensure it stays safe for the dog. But it doesn't just watch the thermometer—it also serves as a vital lifeline for the officer. The system includes a remote control carried by the handler. If an officer finds themselves unable to return to the vehicle, they can press a button to automatically open the car door, deploying the K-9 to find and assist them.
While out in the field, Corporal Josh Doncouse, Shadow’s Handler, says they always have fresh water available. “We train with these dogs regularly and they live in our homes,” says Doncouse. “We watch them and can tell what they need to keep working as hard as they do, and we give it to them.”
A Cool Reward for Hard Work
It’s not all hard work in the sun, though. At the end of the long, hot summer season, the K-9s get a well-deserved treat. Handlers take them to local public pools after they close for the season, allowing the dogs to combine some vital water training with a chance to cool off and splash around.