() – It’s a big day for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO).  The department gave certifications to police dogs and their handlers.

Three new K-9 deputies and their dogs celebrated graduation from a 30-day narcotics dog handler training course.  Two of the deputies were in attendance—Crystal Giannotti and Harley Smith.  

The deputies trained with the dogs Arie, Joker, and Takota.

The K-9 deputies spent 120 hours learning how to bond with their dogs and how to handle illegal narcotics drug searches.

Deputy Giannotti talked to me about what those thirty days of training looked like for her and her dog, Arie. 

“She would search in boxes, in luggage, in buildings, in open areas, and vehicles,” she said. 

Both Giannotti and Arie have been at the RCSO for five years, she spoke to me about some of the challenges they went through during training.  

“Just like us, she gets tired, too,” Giannotti said. 

“And I just needed to be able to pick up on her cues to let me know she’s had enough.”

The handlers and their dogs will be out in the community seizing drugs and cash from drug dealers.  

The dogs will also help in robbery and burglary cases by tracking suspects.  However, before that, the dogs and handlers have to get familiar with each other during the 30-day course. 

Sergeant Donald McVean said that during the 120-hour course, it takes time for the handlers and dogs to get acquainted with each other. 

“You see the handler and their dog and how their bond is finally setting in and starting to work as a team together.  That’s always the best part of the class for me,” she said. 

The dogs and their handlers will continue to train with each other in the coming months.