New Brevard Sheriff K-9 Deputy Puppy Named: VIDEO

BREVARD COUNTY, Florida -- After receiving over 5,000 name suggestions for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office new K-9 Deputy puppy, one of the names submitted, Koda, was very unique and unanimously liked by the entire selection committee

The name was submitted by the Stiffler family on behalf of their 7-year-old daughter Grace.  Grace is an avid reader and animal lover.  One of her favorite books is about a horse named Koda.  While reading this book, she learned that the name “Koda,” means “friend” in the Native American Dakota Sioux language. 

At yesterday’s name ceremony, Grace was introduced as the winning nomination and officially named the newest member of our agency, 9-week -old Bloodhound, Koda.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who participated in the contest and let them know how much the Brevard County Sheriff's Office appreciates the incredible support and encouragement we received from our community," Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.  "To watch the enthusiasm of Grace as she officially named and placed the Sheriff’s star and collar on our K-9 was one of those moments in life we will always remember.”

Grace’s father has recently graduated from the Brevard Community College’s Institute of Public Safety and plans to volunteer hours in the Reserve Deputy Program. Grace had suggested that if her father ever becomes a K-9 Deputy, that he name his dog “Koda.”

The new blood hound is an 10-week-old male that was acquired through a breeder as a donation from the Jimmy Ryce Foundation.  The Jimmy Ryce Foundation was formed in honor of Jimmy, who was abducted and killed on September 11, 1995, to provide awareness in the protection of children.

Video and image credit: BCSO