The Florala Police Department’s K9 unit will continue, Police Chief Sonny Bedsole announced this week.

The department’s K9 officer and assistant police chief, Paul Adams, died last month.

“The Florala Police Department received some great news when it was determined that ownership of Bella, K9 partner of former Assistant Chief Paul Adams was being transferred to (the department),” Police Chief Sonny Bedsole said. “We are extremely proud that (Tammy and Warren Adams) made the decision to allow Bella to continue her work here in Florala with our department.”

Bedsole said Adams and Bella were a strong combination to contend with for drug users, dealers and traffickers coming through Florala.

Bedsole said the Adams and their sons, Tyler and Landon, presented Bella to the department.

“Bella will be assigned to Officer Jessica Lawhorn, who has experience working drugs and had been involved with various other K9s,” Warren Adams said. “Bella excitedly ran about the patrol cars while barking her approval of the transition, which echoed throughout the town streets. We know Bella is happiest when working and this is what we believe our son, Paul, would have wanted for her and his fight on drugs.”