Barren County Sheriff’s Office has a new officer on duty

The Barren County Sheriff’s Office has a new officer on duty.

The German Shepard, named Merc, is the newest four-legged addition to the Barren County Sheriff’s Office. Merc is used to detect drugs and track scents.

The sheriff’s office paid $6,000 for Merc and recently applied for a grant application to cover the costs.

On Tuesday, Barren Fiscal Court approved the motion to apply for a grant.

Max, the agency’s last K-9, died unexpectedly earlier this year.

Sheriff Kent Keen said having a K-9 officer is a major asset to the department. Merc can find things most human officers can’t, Keen said.