The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit successfully completed its annual skills certification on Wednesday, February 4, in Gwinnett County, according to Sheriff Mitch Ralston.
All four K-9s and their handlers passed a rigorous testing process in their respective specialties:
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Czeck, a 6-year-old Dutch Shepherd handled by Cpl. Dale Pullen, earned certifications in narcotics detection, tracking, and patrol apprehension.
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Ole’ Jasper, also known as “King Machine,” a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer handled by Cpl. Pullen, was certified in tracking.
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Maggie, a 2-year-old Bloodhound handled by Sgt. 1st Class Lindsey Azar, received tracking certification.
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Max, a 1-year-old Bloodhound handled by Detective Cody Jones, was also certified in tracking.
The certification event was coordinated by the National Narcotics Detection Dog Association, the governing body overseeing the evaluation process. Tracking K-9s are regularly utilized by the sheriff’s office in searches for missing children, elderly individuals, and fugitives.
Sheriff Ralston expressed appreciation to Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor and his staff for hosting the annual certification.
Main photo (left to right): Detective Cody Jones & Max; Sgt. 1st Class Lindsey Azar & Maggie; Captain Chuck Kirby, Special Operations Commander; Ole’ Jasper; and Cpl. Dale Pullen & Czeck.