Sherburne County K-9 Excels At Narcotics Trials

(KNSI) — Sherburne County K-9 Storm and handler Stephen Thiel had a great showing at a recent narcotics detection competition. They finished third overall, including perfect scores in the room search and vehicle search portions of the event.

The annual trials are hosted by the Brainerd and Baxter Police Departments. Thiel says the contest is one of the biggest in the region, and the only high-profile event to focus solely on measuring skills.

“The other popular one is the NPCA (National Police Canine Association), that one’s just for certification.”

Storm has been with the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office for three years, participating at trials twice. Training is a constant process, says Thiel.

“The USPCA (United States Police Canine Association) requires to have a minimum of 16 hours per month to keep your certification.”

Thiel says Storm earned a treat for his great marks at trials. He got a vanilla ice cream treat from Dairy Queen on the way home.

___

Copyright 2022 Leighton Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.