From left to right: Capt. Dan Gimler, Cpl. Sean Brown, Sgt. Haven Smith, Cpl. Renee Cuyler, Sheriff Troy Berry, PFC Colby Shaw, PFC Byron Clark, Maj. Chris Becker, Mr. William Cotton, PFC Darin Behm, and PFC Kevin Makle
Charles County, MD – On Friday, June 10, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit celebrated the graduation of two K9 officers and their partners: PFC Colby Shaw and his partner, Vader, and PFC Byron Clark and his partner, Dino. Both teams received Patrol Certification and Narcotics Detection Certification.
In order to receive their certifications, the K9 teams had to complete a rigorous 7-month training program under the direction of K9 Trainer, William “Billy” Cotton. “The work of our K9 teams is crucial to the CCSO and to the safety of our community. They do everything from finding missing persons to detecting explosives. We take the responsibility of their training very seriously,” said Cotton.
“I’m continually impressed by our K9 Unit and their trainers,” said Sheriff Berry.
“Completing this program takes a great deal of dedication and discipline, and we are proud to have these teams assisting in our mission to serve and protect Charles County.” With the completion of their training, Vader and Dino have now begun their careers in patrol.
