New Richmond Police K-9 officer, K-9 complete training

RICHMOND — The Richmond Police Department have welcomed a new K9 and K9 officer to their team.

In Summer 2022, K-9 Officer Seara Burton of the Richmond Police Department was shot in the line of duty. She died five weeks later as a result of her injuries.

This week, more than five months after Burton's death, the department says Officer Keifer Uphaus and K-9 Skee have completed training.

The duo will return to Richmond to serve on the day shift.

The department, in a social media post, thanked Vohne Liche Kennels for their donation of K-9 Skee.

Burton's K-9, Brev, is now retired and in the care of Burton's mother and stepmother.

Uphaus spoke at Burton's funeral on Sept. 26, introducing himself as Burton's "work husband."

"Seara's mere presence was inspiring. She knew her calling was to serve her community. When her time came to do so, it was always at the highest level in all aspects," Uphaus said. "She would have nothing but the safety of her fellow officers on her mind."

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