Governor Signs McNamara’s Law Allowing Emergency Transport Of Injured K-9 Officers
STATEHOUSE (July 29, 2021) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently ceremonially signed into law State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) legislation allowing paramedics and EMTs to treat and transport K-9 officers injured in the line of duty.
As chair of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code, McNamara worked with Evansville Police Sgt. Mark Saltzman to craft the new state law to help protect valuable K-9 officers needing critical treatment.
According to Saltzman, an EMT in Indiana was fired last year for providing medical assistance to a wounded operational canine.
“K-9 officers are valuable assets to our communities and law enforcement teams,” McNamara said. “They are true partners that work alongside police officers and perform many tasks that humans cannot. A lot of money, time and training is invested in these K-9 officers, and when they are injured on the job, they deserve immediate medical treatment.”
Saltzman said this legislation is helpful because minutes matter in any emergency situation, and in many rural areas there might not be nearby veterinary services at all hours.
McNamara said shortly after this law went into effect there was an incident in Evansville where a K-9 needed emergency transport because of a medical issue.
Joining McNamara at the signing was Saltzman and Fishers Police Officer Jared Koopman, who lost his K-9 partner Harlej in November 2020. Harlej was shot and killed by a fleeing felon after a traffic stop.
FOOTNOTE: MState Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) represents House District 76,
which includes portions of Posey and Vanderburgh counties.
