NAPLES, Fla. — Naples schools have taken a bold leap forward in safeguarding student safety by hiring a full-time K-9 unit trained to detect firearms and explosives. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to a secure learning environment, and provide an innovative approach aimed at protecting the students from potential threats, including active shooters.
The Village School of Naples stands as the first institution in Florida to adopt this kind of active shooter response program. At the heart of this initiative is K-9 Colby, an extraordinary dog skilled in the identification of gunpowder, weapons, and ammunition. Colby is stationed on campus, working tirelessly alongside her handler, Officer Daniel Bledsoe.
WATCH HERE TO SEE K-9 COLBY IN ACTION:
“You can’t outrun her”: This Naples school hired a K-9 unit to prevent shooting threats
“So, in addition to the layers of security we already have—our campus security officers—we now have an invaluable tool like K-9 Colby,” Bledsoe explained. This sentiment echoes a belief in community responsibility for the safety of children, and highlights the imperative need for modern solutions in an age marked by unsettling headlines.
Colby’s training equips her to detect the scent of gunpowder, leading her to act decisively rather than retreating in fear—a unique trait that embodies both determination and courage. “What she does is smell gunpowder, hear gunshots, and then we run towards it to stop any threats,” said Bledsoe. This proactive response captures a sense of bravery that many might consider extraordinary yet essential in today’s world.
The introduction of the K-9 unit emerged from a collaborative vision shared by parents and school staff. Partnering with Skool Dogs, a national K-9 security service founded after the tragic events of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, the school sought to weave security deeper into its fabric. “It was actually a dual mission from the parents and the staff,” reflected Kelsie Landis, a staff member and mother of three. “We really took the time and had a whole security initiative and fundraiser,” she emphasized, capturing the very essence of a community coming together in pursuit of safety.
Parents, like Joe Merlino, wholeheartedly support these initiatives. “We were all for it, and we’re blessed to have a school that cares this much about safety,” he expressed. This speaks to a shared understanding within the community that security measures, though costly, are worth every cent when it comes to safeguarding children’s futures.
The Village School of Naples claims to be the only institution in Florida adopting this advanced security method, marking a pioneering step in educational safety that is mirrored by only three other schools in the country with Skool Dogs. This uniqueness adds to their commitment to creating a haven for learning amidst the chaos that sometimes surrounds educational spaces.
With a goal of inspiring change, Bledsoe hopes that this initiative will serve as a model for others to follow. “School shootings are unacceptable. We don’t want kids getting hurt, injured, or killed,” he stated passionately. “Our hope is that every school has an officer and a K-9. That’s what we’re passionate about—keeping our kids, parents, and staff safe,” he added, signaling a collective resolve in the face of adversity.
In a world where the specter of violence poses a constant threat, the Village School of Naples, embodied by K-9 Colby and her dedicated handler, seeks to create an environment where learning can thrive free from fear. Moreover, local businesses like Naples Daily News and other community supporters rally behind such grassroots movements, demonstrating that safety and education can coalesce to form the bedrock of a compassionate society. It’s a reminder that amidst our struggles, communities can stand united, armed not only with policies but with a proactive heart.
