WCSO recognizes K-9 teams and honors two K-9s with promotions

Last week, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office recognized its K-9 officers and handlers for their service, dedication and rigorous training, including the successful completion of national recertification requirements. 

Included in the ceremony, was the promotion of two of the K-9s, Vader to Sergeant and Rhun to Corporal. 

Sheriff Keith Brooks gave an opening speech, recognizing the WCSO K-9 officers and the handlers who serve alongside them.

“When we think about law enforcement, we often think about the uniform, the badge, the patrol vehicle, and the people who wear that badge. But there is another law-enforcement partner who has earned a place among them—one who cannot speak, cannot testify in court, and cannot tell us about the dangers they encounter,” Brooks said. “They communicate through their training, their instincts, their discipline, and their unwavering loyalty. They are our K-9 officers.”

He went on to explain that the use of working dogs in law enforcement is about far more than having an additional tool available to a deputy. 

“A properly trained K-9 brings capabilities that are difficult, and sometimes impossible, for humans to replicate,” Brooks said. :Their sense of smell can help locate evidence, detect narcotics and other contraband, track individuals, locate missing or endangered people, and assist deputies in situations where every second matters

“A K-9 can search an area far more efficiently than a person alone. They can follow a scent through terrain that would make a search extremely difficult for a human being. They can help officers find someone who may be hiding, locate a missing child or vulnerable adult, or identify evidence that might otherwise never be discovered. But perhaps one of the most important things a K-9 provides is something we cannot measure on a report or put into a statistic: Their presence can help keep people safe.”

Brooks said that all WCSO K-9s and their handlers recently completed recertification through the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA). The recertification includes rigorous hands-on testing and evaluations to ensure the teams meet or exceed nationally recognized performance standards. He said K-9 Kilo and handler Frazier were recognized as “Best Hard Dog and K-9 Vader and handler Sgt. John Foran were recognized as “Best Tough Dog.” 

WCSO K-9 teams train a minimum of 10 hours every Monday, with training that includes building searches, tracking, narcotics detection, obedience and other real-world scenarios.

During narcotics training, the dogs are exposed to narcotics odors alongside competing odors such as dog food, toys and other common items so they learn to distinguish target odors. K-9s assist deputies with narcotics detection, tracking individuals, locating missing or endangered people, finding evidence and providing an additional layer of safety during potentially dangerous situations. The trainer puts the dogs through extensive training, communication, discipline and trust.

Two WCSO K-9 officers who were promoted were:

K-9 Vader was promoted to Sergeant. Vader has been with WCSO since 2023 and his handler is Lt. John Foran

K-9 Ruhn was promoted to Corporal. Ruhn has been with WCSO since 2024 and his handler is Senior Deputy Jacob Callaway

“Our K-9 teams represent all of those qualities. Today, we honor their work. We honor their loyalty. We honor their courage. And most importantly, we honor the lives they help protect,” Brooks said. “To our K-9 officers and their handlers, thank you for answering the call. Thank you for serving Walton County. And thank you for being an important part of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office family.”