Explosives detection K-9s donated to Sheriff's Office

PHOTO COURTESY VOLUSIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
New officers — Deputy Christopher Westfall with Holly (left) and Sgt. David MacDonald with Bandit.

By Special to The Beacon

posted Dec 19, 2012 - 11:59:28am

Two new members of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrived in early December with impressive work histories, having been deployed several times overseas to help detect improvised explosive devices. The new K-9 officers, Bandit and Holly, also love chew toys.

The Labrador retrievers are explosives detection K-9s donated by the United States Marine Corps after their military retirement.

The dogs have both been to Afghanistan and successfully found improvised explosive devices there. They also have extensive obedience and field trial training, which means they respond to whistle and hand signals over long distances. Bandit and Holly are now settled into their new homes with deputy handlers Sgt. David MacDonald and Christopher Westfall. The only cost the Sheriff’s Office incurred in obtaining the dogs was a $5 notary fee.

 Bandit is 5 years old and Holly is 6 years old. Holly and deputy Westfall will primarily work in the county courthouses. Bandit and Sgt. MacDonald will be in the Special Services unit and available for call outs anywhere in the county. Both can also respond as needed in the central Florida region for significant events such as presidential visits or large conferences or sporting events.

 “We’re happy to have these experienced and enthusiastic new partners,” said Sgt. MacDonald. “These dogs are a great addition to the Sheriff’s Office’s K-9 family, protecting the citizens here in Volusia and across Florida.”

— info@beaconlinenews.com

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