T-R PHOTOS BY MIKE DONAHEY — Marshall County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ben Veren, holding a tray of donuts, poses with fellow deputies and sheriff Joel Phillips, seen far right, during the “Donuts with Deputies” event Saturday at the Marshalltown Hy-Vee. At far left, deputy and K-9 handler Tanner Hunt is seen with K-9 Bosco.

From Marshall County Sheriff Joel Phillips to K-9 handlers Tanner Hunt and Melinda Ruopp to Chief Jailer Pat White, staff from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) treated residents to free donuts, coffee and conversation during the “Donut with a Deputy” event Saturday at the Marshalltown Hy-Vee.

Numerous residents took advantage to visit with the sheriff, deputies and jailers from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The staff not only wanted to give residents a chance to meet and greet, but also to thank area residents and businesses for their generous donations in the purchase of K-9 Bosco earlier this year.

Bosco — a German Shepherd — was purchased from a dog breeder in Slovakia, Europe, who has a good reputation in law enforcement circles.

Marshall County Chief Deputy Ben Veren, left, and deputy and K-9 handler, Tanner Hunt, center, converse with a resident during the “Donuts and Deputies” event Saturday at Hy-Vee.

Hunt, who works exclusively with Bosco, was effusive in his praise of Marshall County residents and businesses who supported the effort.

“The donations from businesses and residents were critical, and we are grateful,” he said. “Working with a K-9 has been a career goal of mine.”

The spirit of generosity continued Saturday, as a jar used for donations or the purchase of tee-shirts was stuffed with paper currency.

Hunt said previous donations funded the purchase of Bosco – but also for extensive training and a specialized kennel in the K-9 vehicle.

The donations also enabled 13 weeks of professional training and lodging for Hunt and Bosco in Minnesota.

For example, Bosco’s kennel inside the K-9 vehicle is equipped with sensors that lower the vehicle’s windows should it become too hot inside.

Additionally, Hunt can press a button on a device on his uniform which will free Bosco from his kennel and open the vehicle’s doors should Hunt need help.

Hunt said Bosco has been put to work on vehicle searches and for a court-ordered search warrant.

Bosco can also aid in missing person searches.

The K-9 lives with Hunt, his wife and 11-month old son.

The Hunts’ household includes a labrador retriever and a german shepard.

“Bosco fits right in,” Hunt said with a smile.

Ruopp works with Hunt and other K-9 handlers in Central Iowa, twice per month, providing valuable expertise.

She previously was an officer and K-9 handler for many years with the Marshalltown Police Department.

Chief Jailer Pat White, a 25-year MCSO veteran, is in charge of day-to-day operations at the jail, at 2369 Jessup Ave.

White said Marshall County has a contract with the U.S. Marshall’s Office to house defendants accused of federal crimes. Marshall County is reimbursed for their care by the federal government.

Marshall County also contracts with Scott County to house inmates, and Scott County reimburses Marshall County for inmate room and board.

The contracts have provided significant income to Marshall County since the jail was moved to the former Marshall County Care Facility approximately 25 years ago.

Former Marshall County Sheriff Ted Kamatchus aggressively pursued the contracts with the U.S. Marshal’s Office and other Iowa counties.

The practice was followed by Kamatchus’ successor — Sheriff Steve Hoffman — who is now in Polk County and continued with Phillips.

The jail was previously in a building on South Second Avenue.

It was too small to adequately house the number of inmates and deemed inefficient for effective law enforcement.