BRAZIL, Ind – K-9 teams from across Indiana – and one from as far away as Argentina – have been training at the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, a property under development to mentor future law enforcement officers and bond with at-risk kids.

Dogs and handlers are quietly making use of the 62-acre Clay County property’s rolling wooded terrain and private lakes to train for recovery of victims of drownings and other isolated deaths in such surroundings.

“Our Youth Ranch property was previously owned by a veterinarian whose clinic has since been remodeled and repurposed as our Indiana Sheriffs’ K-9 Academy,” said Marion County Sheriff John Layton, president of the not-for-profit’s board. “Because the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is a leader nationwide and worldwide in training and certifying public safety canines, their use of our K-9 Academy and property is a fitting and proper partnership we hope continues for years to come.”

Layton said “the Youth Ranch recently inked a temporary agreement with the IDHS, allowing their use of our property and holding us harmless of related liabilities. If a long-term agreement can be reached, Layton said, it is possible IDHS partners from local law enforcement and fire service agencies may someday use and enjoy our lodge, cabins, training and recreational facilities when not being utilized for expanded Sheriffs’ Youth Leadership Camps and weekend retreats for young witnesses, victims and survivors of crime – including sons and daughters of fallen public safety officials.”

Youth Ranch amenities being designed, sponsored and built include 10 cabins, a peace chapel, a dining hall, commercial kitchen, a computer lab, locker rooms and a first aid station. Recreation areas will include a zipline, an archery range, a confidence course, a riding stable, two canoe and kayak launches, a fishing dock and swimming pool.

For more information, to donate or volunteer, call ISYR toll-free at 833-IN-RANCH.

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