The Fresno County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit did exceptionally well while participating in an annual competition hosted by the Bakersfield Police Department.
Last weekend, four Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies and their dogs competed in the trials held at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. Out of 25 teams competing, our K-9 Unit won a total 15 awards.
This a public event which allows K-9s and their handlers to show case their skills. The event donates a portion of all its proceeds to a local charity.
Our K-9 Unit swept the novice division. Deputy Roberty Mehling and his dog Maggie took 1st overall. Deputy Todd Burk and his dog Kajo placed 2nd and Deputy Sean Quinn and his dog Ute (pronounced “oo-tuh”) took 3rd place. The scoring consisted of points earned in obedience, agility / obstacles, building / area searches and bite work including control and out / recalls. This was the first time these handlers and their dogs ever participated in these trials.
Maggie won three other awards. She placed 4th in area search, 5th in building search and 5th in protection.
Kajo grabbed two additional awards. He placed 3rd in building search and 4th in agility.
Ute took home a 2nd place award for area search.
Deputy Jeff Hooper and his dog Tango competed in the open division, meaning they have already competed in two or more novice trials. They placed 1st in agility, 2nd in obedience and 3rd in protection. They also won three awards for explosives detection, for a total of six awards.
You can learn more about the Fresno County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit and follow its activity by liking their Facebook page, “Friends of the Fresno Sheriff’s K-9 Unit.”
Deputy Jeff Hooper and his dog Tango, Deputy Sean Quinn and his dog Ute, Deputy Todd Burk and his dog Kajo, Deputy Roberty Mehling and his dog Maggie
