K-9 Unit
Chesney Roark & K-9 Sonny
This member of the City's Police Department has had some serious training that enables him to serve a number of critical purposes. He can sniff out illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine,and he's capable of tracking and finding lost children. However, he's not all business. He can also be described as a bit hyperactive, playful and fun-loving. Sonny is an 18-month-old yellow lab, and was acquired from Xtreme Concepts, Inc., a security solutions firm based in Birmingham, Alabama. Sonny will serve alongside his partner, Officer Chesney Roark.
He and his handler, Senior Patrol and K-9 Officer Chesney Roark, had to complete 120 hours of training in High Point, North Carolina prior to Sonny joining the patrol division.
Sergeant Matt Cousins & K-9 Kai
K-9 Kai is a member of the Department's K-9 team. He is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois born in Holland.
His initial basic police canine training in patrol functions and explosive detection was done in Ohio. Kai and his handler have completed a rigorous training course and are certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association.
This canine team will work patrol, assisting officers at traffic stops and with finding suspects. They will be utilized in conjunction with the Department's Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) unit that responds to unusual packages and situations. Kai will also assist with searches at the Bristol Motor Speedway and other major events in the city.
Sergeant Joe Newman & K-9 Scout
Officer Joe Newman has been employed with the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department since 2011, and K-9 Scout since 2014. K-9 Scout is a female Belgian Malinois who was born in Mexico in 2011. Scout had initially been trained as a personal protection K-9, but was retrained for a career in law enforcement. Officer Newman and K-9 Scout are certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) in both narcotic detection and article searches. She is a hyperactive K-9 who loves to work and play. K-9 Scout also has a very friendly, outgoing personality which makes her always eager to meet and interact with new people.