Uniform – K9
The K-9 Unit was established April 21, 1988. Raider, a purebred Labrador Retriever, was the first K-9 purchased by the City. Raider worked for the City of Duluth until June 27, 1994 when he passed. His service to the Department was long and noteworthy.
The K-9 Unit was re-established in July of 1997 with the purchase of Ronny (Retired), a purebred German Shepherd. Ronny was imported from Germany and purchased with donations from several private individuals, local businesses and local schools.
Jessie (Retired), a purebred German Shepherd, was imported from Hungry and joined the Department in February of 1998. Jessie was also purchased with donations from several private individuals, local businesses and local schools. Retired
Andy (Retired), a purebred German Shepherd, was imported from Germany and joined the Department in April of 1998. Andy was purchased with donations provided by AGCO.
All three K-9s were imported by M & M Kennels of Ohio. The K-9s are all certified in narcotics and marijuana detection by National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA), National Police Canine Association (NPCA) and North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA). The K-9s are used for a wide array of tasks. They can detect drugs, locate fleeing suspects, locate missing persons, locate crime scene evidence and locate missing articles. They can also be used for patrol functions as well.
The following groups are part of the K-9 Support Team:
- AGCO
- Duluth Animal Hospital
- Duluth High School
- Duluth Middle School
- Chattahoochee Elementary School
- Kroger
- Publix Super Markets, Inc.
- The Citizens of Duluth, GA