CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () — A Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) K9 Team has won top honors at a national event for law enforcement K9s and their handlers.

Chatham County Police Department Corporal Jovante Spivey and K9 officer Neo were awarded the “Top Apprehension Award” in the K9 Law & Order training and competition held in Decatur, Maryland. The training event brings together law enforcement officers and their K9 partners from around the United States for comprehensive and specialized training.

Cpl. Spivey and K9 Neo were judged against 70 other teams from around the country. In a social media post about the competition, K9 Law & Order said, “This team stood out for their exceptional control, courage, and commitment during high-risk deployments. K9 Neo demonstrated unmatched skill in apprehensions, responding with precision, strength, and discipline in every situation. Their teamwork, training, and trust in one another made them a clear standout among a competitive field.”

Cpl. Spivey and K9 Neo are part of the Chatham County Police Department K9 Unit established in 2023.