Dogs And Handlers Display Skills, Dedication
“Taco” hadn’t even graduated yet but he was already a hero. In Florida, just days before Clearwater hosted their annual K9 certification event, this talented police dog made his very first apprehension. He caught a driver who had run into the woods and was hiding behind a bulldozer. This was after crashing into another vehicle and rolling into a pond. Taco’s handler, Corporal Matthew Aitken, of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, then arrested the man. The reason for the apprehension was because he had left the scene of a crash with injuries. Bravo, “Taco”!
Teams Of Two Plus Guests
I had never attended an event like this before and I’m so glad I did. It was great to see the community come together. Numerous parents and children showed up to support Florida’s law enforcement. In addition, there were many working dogs and their handlers who also came out to cheer on their fellow officers. After all, they’ve been through this themselves and know exactly how it feels on such a special day.
K-9 Graduation Day In Clearwater Florida
On March 19 this year, police dog graduation day was held at Countryside High School football field. The Master of Ceremonies was Sergeant Mike Kilian of the Special Operations Division – K9 Unit. Incidentally, I had met him for the first time just a few weeks earlier at a local Sheriff’s Youth Ranch Open House.
He explained to the attendees that the intensive, four-month Basic Patrol training program was held November 2018 thru February 2019. Some of the chosen locations included both Sheriff and Police Department K-9 compounds. Apart from that, a few private businesses allowed law enforcement to use their facilities during non-working hours.
Meet The Graduates
You already caught a glimpse of them in the video but here’s a formal introduction. These are the fab five working dogs that we honored on K9 graduation day in Clearwater. They are now all doing extremely well and performing their duties to uphold Florida law.
K-9 “Logan” and handler Deputy Anthony Lorusso from Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
From Largo Police Department, K-9 “Chato” and Officer Nathaniel Hansmann.
Representing Tarpon Springs Police Department, K-9 Charlie K “CK” and Officer Tommy Nguyen.
K-9 “Smitty” and Deputy Jacob Baroff from Pasco County Sheriff’s Office
And last, but by no means least, is the duo K-9 “Taco” and Corporal Matthew Aitken, who also happens to be the course instructor. And his right hand man throughout the training period was Assistant Instructor, Deputy Robert Wilkins, from Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Action-Packed Demos
I must say it’s pretty impressive to see a really long line of K-9 cruisers circle the field with lights flashing. Then, once they were in their allotted spaces, handlers and dogs awaited signals for action. The group comprised seasoned working dogs and rookies about to join their ranks. Also awaiting his turn was a very young little guy who totally impressed us with his smarts and cuteness. The attendees would meet him later on.
We saw agility demonstrations consisting of jumping fences and walking in between the handler’s legs while on the go. In addition, there were narcotics and explosive device detection demos. And, of course, locating and catching bad guys with their bite technique apprehensions.
But on K9 graduation day it was “Chaos,” the puppy-in-training, who melted everyone’s heart. I wonder how he got that name! Directed by his handler, Deputy Rob Wilkins with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, something was immediately obvious. That he was an absolute natural. He knew exactly how to apprehend the “fake” suspect despite his juvenile stature.
Out Of The Blue
Well, we had all been promised a few surprises. And this was by far the best one of all. The noise got closer and louder. Then we saw it. The helicopter landed on the football field right in front of us. Suddenly out jumped K9 “Hector,” followed by Deputy Brad Byers, revved up to chase down another suspect. Not wasting a second, they went straight into action and got their man! That’s what I call a perfect example of how to hit the ground running!
Unexpected Dangers
Let’s pause now for a moment to think about another aspect of what’s involved here. What may come after K-9 graduation day, once the thrill and excitement of watching these training exercises subsides. Let’s not forget something else. This work has very real elements of danger. Sometimes they lurk out of sight, are totally unexpected, and can have deadly consequences. One such example involved K9 “Ozzy” during an assignment where he went into a swamp. As a result, he picked up a bacterial infection that spread very rapidly. Sadly, it overwhelmed him and he couldn’t be saved.
He was certified in March 2018 and had been on duty up until November. During that short time he had already chalked up 20 catches in the City of Largo. Gone too soon, he was in his prime and had been the partner of Officer Nate Hansmann with the Largo Police Department. Nevertheless, he passed his baton to another wonderful dog and was proudly remembered. Through the graduation of this officer’s new partner, K9 “Chato” will now carry on his enormously valuable work.
Forever Grateful
These magnificent law enforcement dogs respond every day to the call of duty. Their valor and sacrifice are a vital contribution towards keeping our communities safe.
Thank you all for your service.
After years of service, these brave K-9s are remembered when they have reached their eternal home. I invite you to read this poignant article. https://petpeevesunmasked.com/memorial-service-honors-police-military-k9s/
You may also like this related topic on dogs that detect tainted tobacco in the UK: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/dogs-detect-spiked-cigarettes/
