Will County Gazette

JOLIET – State’s Attorney James Glasgow and New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini joined New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann at the New Lenox Police Department for the swearing-in ceremony of law enforcement K-9 Harlie, a female Labrador purchased by Glasgow using money forfeited from drug dealers and money launderers. Harlie is the 21st police canine Glasgow has provided to local law enforcement agencies in Will County. In the next few months, four more canines will be coming on board at the police departments in Mokena, Frankfort, and two in Plainfield.

“I am going to continue providing these very special K9s to our law enforcement community because they play such a critical role in crime prevention and interdiction, as well as offering incredibly positive community outreach,” Glasgow said. “These canines bring very unique talents to the table when assisting law enforcement in its mission of taking criminal drug dealers and violent offenders off our streets."

"Just as important, they serve as ‘Goodwill Ambassadors’ who further strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and members of the community, including children. These dogs go into our schools with officers, helping children learn about the dangers of drugs as well as the importance of offering empathy and compassion to our canine companions. As St. Francis of Assisi so brilliantly declared over 900 years ago, ‘He who would deny the shelter of pity and compassion to any of God’s creatures would do likewise to his fellow man.’ The solace that these amazing creatures provide to us unconditionally makes for a more benevolent and kind community.”

Harlie was born October 23, 2023, at Skyline Drive Kennels in Brownstown, Indiana. She and handler Officer Candace Guidry completed six weeks of training last week, and Harlie is now certified in Narcotics Detection and Tracking. The students at New Lenox School District 122 helped name the New Lenox Police Department’s newest addition.

“Harlie and Officer Guidry have been working extremely hard to receive their certification, and Harlie already has been out in the community meeting residents,” said Chief Alessandrini. “With her keen sense of smell, speed, and agility, Harlie will be a great addition to our Police Department. It has been over a decade since New Lenox has had a canine program, and we are grateful to be able to take advantage of this opportunity through State’s Attorney Glasgow.”

Glasgow purchased Harlie, her training, and the canine transport equipment installed in the police vehicle using drug asset money seized from dealers selling illegal narcotics in Will County. No taxpayer dollars were used.

In addition to Harlie:

- "Reno" and "Aro" are serving Joliet

- "Rookie" is stationed in Shorewood

- "Hutch" works with Channahon

- "Roxie" operates out of Rockdale

- "Mao" serves Wilmington

- "Simo" is part of Crest Hill's force

- "Tib" (short for Tiburian) serves Elwood alongside retired Sam

- Park Forest hosts both "Lorde" (active) & Tucker (retired)

- Monee's unit includes Cap

- Tinley Park's team includes Helmut

- Braidwood benefits from Nuke

- Minooka houses Kya

- Bolingbrook utilizes Raider

- Apollo supports Manhattan

Glasgow also partnered with Will County Sheriff by contributing half cost for Loki—a German Shepherd trained detecting explosives—providing technical security new courthouse Additionally contributed Cache (retired), Illinois’ first electronic sniffing K9 investigating child sexual exploitation materials Also provided Jet therapy dog Lewis University

K9 Harlie member Glasgow League Extraordinary Canines Friends initiative bringing together specialized Animal Protection Unit law enforcement government animal protection control agencies veterinarians humane societies rescue groups addressing animal cruelty neglect

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