Three New Four-Legged Deputies Join DCSO

Press release and photos courtesy of Dade County Sheriff’s Office.

The Dade County Sheriff’s Office is welcoming three new K-9s to the department.

K-9 Zeus, a male German shepherd, was purchased through a grant awarded to the sheriff’s office, donations from community members, the fundraising efforts of The South East Tennessee Area Young Marines, and a fundraising campaign by DCSO personnel. K-9 Zeus begins his training with his handler, Deputy Nathaniel Espy, in the next couple of weeks. He will be on duty by December of this year.

K-9 Georgia, a female bloodhound, is the first bloodhound DCSO has ever had, and her primary responsibility will be tracking lost persons and fleeing suspects. K-9 Georgia is a local girl, born right here in Dade County and donated by a local breeder to be used as a police K-9. She is already with her new handler, Deputy Deke Morrow, and will begin her training very soon.

K-9 Thor, a male Belgian Malinois, was also donated by a local citizen to be used as a police K-9. He came from a breeder out of Atlanta, and he is already with his handler, Sergeant Chad Payne. K-9 Thor’s early training has started, and he’s full of energy just like his breed is known to be.

Each of these four-legged deputies will join the established DCSO K-9 Unit, currently occupied by K-9 Tank and retiring K-9 Rocco.

Sheriff Ray Cross released the statement, “Police K-9s play a crucial role in discovering crime, as well as deterring crime. These new additions will further our mission of stamping out illegal drugs, catching bad guys, and letting the criminals know that we mean business here in Dade County. We can’t thank our community enough for supporting our cause and helping us get these K-9s.”