The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) expanded their force with an addition that promises to make a significant difference in the community. They introduced an 8-month-old bloodhound named Ziva, a new recruit with the pivotal task of finding missing and endangered individuals across Broward County. "In Hebrew, the name Ziva means 'bright and radiant'," a reflection of the hope she brings to her future role, as reported by WSVN.
Ziva, described as spunky, is in training to locate a wide range of vulnerable citizens including children, the elderly, those with special needs, and individuals suffering from mental illness, as reported by WFLA News. Once she reaches the age requirement of 10 months, Ziva will be eligible for certification by the National Police Bloodhound Association in South Carolina. Her assignment includes working alongside BSO K-9 Deputy Tony Sun, who has been weathering the loss of his previous K-9 partner, Bluey, to bone cancer.
As per the information by WSVN, the BSO's K-9 unit gains not merely a tracker but also a future therapy dog. Post her tracking training, Ziva will be offering comfort as well as assistance in her service to the community. Deputy Sun and Ziva will operate in BSO’s Tamarac district, joining the ranks of fellow BSO K-9’s, Ryley, and Anthem.
The provision of Ziva to the BSO was enabled by the Jimmy Ryce Center for Victims of Predatory Abduction, named after Jimmy Ryce, a Miami boy whose tragic murder in 1995 shocked and saddened many. This center is a place of solace, hope, and practical help as it provides bloodhounds to law enforcement agencies across the nation. According to a WFLA News article, the center actively aids in equipping agencies like the BSO with resources to better serve and protect the vulnerable in society.
