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Rome, Maine – [Sept. 6, 2025] – The Travis Mills Foundation has generously funded a new police dog for the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring the continuation of its vital K-9 program.
Deputy Jeff Boudreau and his new K-9 partner will be recognized at the Travis Mills Foundation’s 5th annual Building Strength Gala on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2025.
Deputy Jeff Boudreau, who has proudly served as a K-9 handler since 2018, recently lost his partner, K-9 Vixen, after 7 years of dedicated service. When TMF Executive Director Heather Labbe learned that the sheriff’s office would be left without a police dog due to lack of funding, she knew action had to be taken.
“It started with a friend calling a friend for help,” Boudreau said. “The Travis Mills Foundation not only gave us the funds but made sure our K-9 program continues for the benefit of the entire community.”
The gift from the Travis Mills Foundation came only one day after Vixen’s retirement, and at a crucial time for the department.
“While it’s always a struggle to acquire the funds to keep the program going, this donation allows us to move forward, Boudreau said. “These dogs are so heavily utilized in the county that they’ve become a necessity.”
“The funding just keeps going up and up for what we need for a dog,” Boudreau added. “Like everyone else, budgets are tight, which makes it difficult. This gift from the Travis Mills Foundation means we can keep serving our community without interruption.”
Part of the Travis Mills Foundation’s mission supports outreach projects that strengthen and protect Maine communities.
“It is an honor to stand alongside the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office,” Labbe added.
In April, Boudreau traveled to Shallow Creek Kennels out of Pennsylvania, where he had the opportunity to observe and choose a new K-9 partner. Shallow Creek subjects its
canines to rigorous testing, ensuring that only the most capable and highly qualified dogs are trained and deployed to safeguard communities across the nation.
During the visit, Boudreau selected a Dutch Malinois named Rooster, and so far, the partnership has proved to be successful.
Rooster’s first success with the sheriff’s office came when he tracked down a missing 70-year-old man whose declining health and prior suicide attempt made the situation especially urgent
“Rooster picked up the track and located the male 250 yards into the woods,” Boudreau said.
Boudreau and Rooster also responded to a car accident in Gardiner where the driver fled.
“Rooster picked up the track, checked several back yards, and found the driver hiding under some brush,” Boudreau said.
“Being a handler has been one of the best things in my life,” he added. “At the end of a hard day—whether it’s a crash, a homicide attempt, or a series of tough calls—you open that door and your best friend is right there. That’s what makes this work so special.”
