Brookhaven Police Canine Teams Place in Top Three During National Training Seminar
NEWS RELEASE
Brookhaven, GA. December 4, 2023 –
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brookhaven Police Officers Rakestraw and Hansen successfully completed a 10-week Police Canine Training Course Hosted in Dooly County, GA.
BROOKHAVEN, 11/22/2023 — The Brookhaven Police Department is pleased to announce the successful completion of a rigorous 10-week police canine training course by Officers Johnathan Rakestraw and Ryan Hansen. Hosted in Dooly County, GA, the training showcased the officers' exceptional skills in mastering the specialized training required for effective K-9 unit operations.
Designed to enhance the officers' capabilities in handling police canines and utilizing them in various law enforcement situations, Officers Rakestraw and K9 partner Koda, along with Officer Hansen and K9 partner Voex, underwent a series of exercises. These exercises included obedience, narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, building/area searches, handler protection, and tracking.
The culmination of the officers' training program took place at the Perry National Fairgrounds for the 14th Annual National Narcotic Detector Dog Association Seminar. Over 130 canine teams from the southeast participated in scenario-based training and met their annual required certifications. Other members of the Brookhaven Canine Program joined them and showcased their skills, resulting in notable accolades:
1st Place for Top Decoy: Officer Rakestraw and K9 Koda
2nd Place in Obedience: Officer Jarred Nuttall and K9 Lord
3rd Place in “Tuff” Dog Competition: Officer David Fikes and K9 Bane
Additionally, Brookhaven Lieutenant John Ritch earned the title of Certifying Official with the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association.
These newly acquired skills and certifications will undoubtedly strengthen the Brookhaven Police Department's K-9 unit and contribute to enhanced public safety in the Brookhaven community.
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Media Contacts:
Lieutenant Jake Kissel
Public Information Officer
Brookhaven Police Department
404-637-0608 (Direct)
