You ought to know by now that Florida isn’t precisely on the identical enjoying subject as the remainder of the world. Things in Florida are typically a bit of bit… totally different.
In true Florida type, there’s one police division in Florida that’s making folks do a double-take. Their interactions with the notorious “Florida Man” are a bit of distinctive, due to their particular breed of officers. While some departments could be fortunate to make use of 32 people, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office employs 32 K9s! In addition to their human colleagues, after all.
If Pasco County sounds acquainted to you, it could be since you noticed them up shut and private in the course of the heyday of Live PD. K9 Shep and his companion had been a fan favourite.
That bravery. The uniform. Those muscular tissues flexing on a takedown. The attractive face! I imply, may anyone resist Shep?
Shep might have made all the women swoon, however he has an entire entourage of different K9s sniffing across the district. The K9s on the PSO are tasked with quite a lot of tasks. From search and rescue, apprehension, and drug detection to warrant sweeps, bomb threats, and helping with SWAT operations, these four-legged heroes do all of it.
But Wait, There’s More!
We all have a basic thought of what police K9s are able to, nevertheless it simply wouldn’t be a Florida story if there wasn’t a shocking twist, now wouldn’t it? Hear me out. This is an effective one for as soon as.
The PSO has a specialised group referred to as BHIT – Behavioral Health Intervention Team. BHIT is made up of a gaggle of specialised officers who work in partnership with native psychological well being suppliers. Their purpose is to maintain folks secure and help them in getting the psychological well being assist they want. Whether it’s following up on an overdose or making an attempt to deliver consolation to somebody after a tragedy, BHIT is there with their cutest officers in tow.
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You could be a sucker for a person in uniform, however simply wait till you see these hunky heroes!
Meet The K9s
Mango
K9 Mango was born within the Fall of 2018 and commenced his profession with PSO in April of 2020. Mango was educated by inmates that the Brevard County Jail of their “Paws & Stripes” program.
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During this coaching, the inmates had been in a position to study invaluable life expertise whereas Mango realized to be an excellent boy! So good in reality that K9 Mango is licensed by AKC’s Good Citizen program and is a nationally licensed remedy canine. Mango responds along with his fellow BHIT members to supply consolation and a chilled presence.
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Basically, his job is to simply be cute and cuddly! Could you ask for something extra? Oh, he additionally likes driving on tiny trains – as if he wasn’t lovable sufficient already!
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I met Mango and I can’t verify or deny having the considered luring him into my automobile with a Pupperoni as a result of he was that darn cute! But, you already know… you may’t kidnap a cop or no matter.
Charlie
K9 Charlie is a Pit Bull combine and he’s the true OG. Literally.
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Charlie was PSO’s first remedy canine! He was additionally born within the Fall of 2018 and was rescued from the Brevard County Animal Shelter. Just like Mango, Charlie was educated by inmates on the Brevard County Jail earlier than he joined the ranks as a remedy canine at PSO.
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Tacoma
Meet PSO’s latest rookie, Tacoma!
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Tacoma is a 3-year-old Chocolate Lab. Just like his different fuzzy brothers in blue, Tacoma was rescued from the Brevard County Animal Shelter and educated by inmates. K9 Tacoma is licensed as an AKC Good Citizen and holds certification as a Law Enforcement Investigative Therapy Dog. He is at the moment assigned to the Community Engagement Bureau the place he spends his time assembly folks in the neighborhood and making them smile.
JoJo
K9 JoJo was beforehand a narcotics detection K9. JoJo labored within the jail earlier than he was recognized with most cancers final yr.
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Due to JoJo’s most cancers prognosis, he needed to be medically retired however JoJo wasn’t able to name it quits! His most cancers is now in remission and JoJo has a brand new profession as a remedy K9!
Smiles Are Their Superpower
They’ll present as much as automobile accidents to consolation somebody in misery or go to somebody at residence who was lately discharged from the hospital. They’ll even come by and luxury someone who could also be having ideas of suicide. These canines and their officers will do something they will to deliver a smile to somebody’s face throughout their most making an attempt instances!
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Their coaching isn’t over as soon as they be a part of the division. Just like several member of legislation enforcement, the entire K9s undergo continuous coaching to ensure they’re as much as snuff. When they aren’t brushing up on their expertise, demonstrating their work in the neighborhood, or making one of many many requires service they make per yr, these guys sit back and calm down with a pleasant Kong identical to every other canine.
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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and their unimaginable group of two-legged and four-legged officers are altering the face of police work. Their dedication to implementing progressive interventions is paving the best way for the way forward for public security. Their goal is to acknowledge the elements that affect crime whereas additionally decriminalizing psychological well being. These unimaginable K9s and their companions are on the forefront of this mission, and if that doesn’t make your tail wag, I don’t know what is going to!
h/t: pascosheriffcharities.org
Featured Photo: Facebook
