Springfield police K-9 officer, dogs honored with 2026 award

An award went out to a K9 officer and two of his dogs today. 22 News reporter Gabriela Villas-Boas joins us live in studio with more from Springfield's Police Department and K9 Unit. Good evening, Sierra and Claire. Today I got to see K9 Flex in action with his handler, Officer Blair. The two of them were celebrating an award that they and retired K9 Mr. Warner received for their contribution to the City of Springfield's K9 Unit. Mayor Sarno and Superintendent Akers honored K-9 Officer Eric Blair and his partners, K-9 Mr. Warner and Flex, for outstanding service and dedication today at City Hall. They received the 2026 K-9 Sergeant Sean Gannon Handler of the Year Award on Sunday, October 18. This comes after Officer Blair and retired K-9 Mr. Warner's involvement with passing Dakota's Law, which established care benefits to retired police and military dogs. This award is in recognition of Officer Blair's service and dedication to the law enforcement and K9 community. He said he was surprised when he got the call and that it felt like a dream come true. It's overwhelming because it's like when you're sitting there as a kid playing with G.I. Joe's and everything, and you're like, oh, I'd like to be this K9 handler here, and I think I tried four times to get on the K9 unit. And then I finally got it, and I'm like, I'm going to give 1,000 percent until I'm not in the unit anymore and get the greatest dogs I can to represent the city. He is just a credit to our department and he's done an amazing job and all of our K9 officers are very dedicated and motivated and they serve the city and the department with honor and distinction. Officers tell us that these canines become like family. Flex behind me here is one of the dogs that was honored with this award. Flex what do you think? He's a dog of few words but he says thank you. Mayor Sarno says in a statement that he is deeply grateful to Officer Blair, K9 Mr. Warner, and K9 Flex, as well as all the brave men and women and canines in blue for all the work they do to keep the city of Springfield safe. Working for you, I'm Gabriela Villas-Boas, 22 News.