K-9 Unit


Chesney Griffin & K-9 Sonny
This member of the city’s Police Department has had some serious training that enabled 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 Griffin.

He and his handler, Senior Patrol and K9 Officer Chesney Griffin, had to complete 120 hours of training in High Point, N.C.
Chesney and Sonny
Officer Matt Cousins and K9 Larco
Officer Matt Cousins & K-9 Larco
K-9 Larco 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 locally in Northern Virginia. Larco and his handler have completed a rigorous 300 hour training course. This training will enable the team to certify with the North American Police Work Dog Association. 

This canine team will work patrol while assisting officers at suspected traffic stops and finding suspects. They will be utilized in conjunction with the department's Explosive Ordinance Device (E.O.D.) unit that responds to unusual packages and situations.  This team will assist with searches at the Bristol Motor Speedway and other major events in the city. 

K-9 Larco spends his leisure time on long walks in the woods and playing in the water at Steele Creek Park.

Officer Joe Newman & K-9 Scout

Officer Joe Newman has been employed with the Bristol TN 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 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. 

Scout