Two law enforcement officers serving Patrick County recently graduated from a 13 week K-9 training program.
Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith said Deputy Sheriff Dustin Dillon and his K-9 “Crash,” and Virginia State Police Master Trooper Andy Roberts and his K-9 “Django” were awarded their certificates on Friday, June 26, at Virginia Highlands Regional Airport in Abingdon.
Dillon is a six year veteran of the sheriff’s office and Roberts is a 27 year veteran of the state police, according to Smith.
Roberts also is a K-9 master trainer with the state police, a position he has held for 15 years, according to Smith, who added that Roberts has taught multiple K-9 training schools over the years, and has been qualified as an expert witness in the use of the police K-9.
Smith stated that the need was great in terms of the sheriff’s office acquiring a K-9 because Roberts intends to retire in the near future.
“We have always been able to call on Andy, who lives here, when we needed a dog, and that luxury will soon be gone,” Smith said. Roberts “is and has been a great resource for this office over the years.” Roberts’ previous K-9, “Glock,” died from bone cancer last year, Smith said. He was allowed by his agency to not only acquire another dog, but also to teach the class. In all, seven K-9 teams from four agencies completed the training. Roberts’ current dog, “Django,” is a year and a half-old German Shepherd.
Dillon has completed numerous specialized training courses during his tenure with the sheriff’s office, including advanced active shooter response training, precision rifle training, and special weapons and tactics training.
Dillon’s K-9 Crash was purchased with generous donations from local residents and by using assets seized from convicted drug dealers. Crash is a three year old Belgian Malinois.
“Our K-9 program is vital in keeping the citizens of this county safe, and it will be funded by the assets we seize from those who victimize our hard working folks here in Patrick County,” Smith said.
Both dogs are trained in tracking, article searches, and criminal apprehension. Crash also is trained in narcotics detection.
