The Jasper County Board of Supervisors are getting a Land Use Easement so Crisis Canines of the Midlands can build a new training facility on county-owned land southeast of the Jasper County Jail and Sheriff’s Office. Former Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty is president of the non-profit organization founded by Justin and Rebecca Smith in 2022. Crisis Canines of the Midlands in Colfax train, certify, and deploy teams of Crisis Response Therapy dogs to assist first responders affected by critical incidents and mental health challenges.

Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson says the Land Use Easement protects the county’s ownership of the land and the improvements Crisis Canines of the Midlands make. 

“If they ever vacate the building for whatever reason, the building reverts back to us. The property stays with us throughout.”

Halferty told the Jasper County Board of Supervisors Crisis Canines program has attracted interest nationwide. He says they have two academies scheduled for this year from teams all over the nation, with 20 to 25 teams in each academy. But he adds they would like to offer additional resources and classes, but they need a training center. Crisis Canines of the Midlands currently operates out of its original site at Justin and Rebecca Smith’s home in Colfax.