MOUNT VERNON — Argo, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office’s new K9, and handler Deputy Rich Wise have graduated from Storm Dog Tactical K9 training school, according to Sheriff Daniel Weckesser.
Argo and Wise attended weeks of classroom and field training and graduated last week. Argo and Wise are assigned patrol duties in the county.
The dual-purpose handler’s course covers topics such as case law, canine care, canine deployments, tracking, narcotics, and patrol scenario-based training.
The course prepares students for an entry-level position as a canine handler for dogs trained to perform both patrol and detection tasks in law enforcement activities.
The Storm Dog Tactical Dual-Purpose Police Canine Handler/Operator class is a five-week program where the canine receives training in all disciplines prior to the student’s arrival.
This course will equip the new team with the necessary skill set to manage various situations they may encounter while working.
“Our vision is to enhance our program by adding enough K9s to support every shift that is working hard to keep our community and citizens safe,” Weckesser said.