K9s are backing up local officers
The Spruce Pine Police Department (SPPD) welcomed a new member to their team, Thor, a 1.5-year-old black Labrador. Trained in both tracking and narcotics detection, Thor’s arrival comes after an intensive training period, that readied him for active duty beginning in April. Thor’s introduction to the force coincides with the department’s participation in the 11th annual ‘Onpoint K9 Competition’ held in Scottsville, Kentucky. This event brought together over 50 K9 officer teams from across the country, to compete, train, and share knowledge in narcotics detection and tracking.
The competition was hosted on a secluded property equipped with five abandoned houses and extensive woodlands, providing a perfect environment for the K9s to demonstrate their skills. The competition is a showcase for the dogs, categorized into single-purpose dogs, tasked with narcotics detection, and dual-purpose dogs, which in addition to narcotics detection, are trained to apprehend suspects. While the event is competitive, it also serves as a vital training and bonding experience for K9 units, enabling them to learn from experienced teams from across the nation.
Lt. Daron Holmes and his K9 partner, Drago, from the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office, secured a notable second place in the Single Purpose Narcotics Event. Meanwhile, Spruce Pine Police Officer Lt. Kelly Johnson and his K9 partner, Tank, who have been a team for approximately four years, achieved first place.
“He did good, I was happy with him,” Johnson said.
In June 2021, Tank played a critical role in a major narcotics bust after a random traffic stop in the KFC/Taco Bell parking lot, which led to the seizure of significant quantities of illegal substances, including 10 ounces of methamphetamines and 10.4 grams of cocaine, among other narcotics as well as a firearm and nearly $3,500 in cash.