The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office recently announced that four new explosives detections dogs have been added to the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Department. The four dogs are red and yellow labrador retrievers, are one year old, and exclusively trained in explosives and firearms detection. The nonprofit Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association paid for the dogs along with $12,000 in special equipment. The dogs cost approximately $6,500 each.
Archer is a red labrador retriever assigned with Deputy Jovonni Silva. Bear is a red labrador retriever assigned with Deputy Daniel Elwess. Nalla is a yellow labrador retriever assigned with Deputy Thomas Nelson, and Dexter, a yellow labrador retriever is assigned with Deputy Darryl Patmon.
Patmon has been a K-9 handler since 2018 and said that there are two types of canines on the force, patrol and detection. His two dogs prior worked in patrol and narcotic detection. Dexter is an explosive detection canine. Dextor is 18 months old.
“He has a lot of energy,” he said. “I compare him to having a child who has eaten a lot of sweets and loves to run around and do things. But he does things in a different way. He looks for odors, and once he finds those odors, he can play.”
Patmon said the training is a 10-week academy, and in the academy the dogs are trained on different things.
“We get them on different odors. We try to expose them to different areas, vehicles, places we would need him to go to where it is unsafe for the public and deputies to go to,” he said. “Dexter is doing great. I tell people that I am lucky to be issued this dog. I am pleased and happy to be in this unit as an explosive detection handler, and I am really happy how he is performing right now.”
At the K-9 facility in Miramar, the dogs are exposed to various explosive odors, solvents, accelerants, and a myriad of compounds. They learn odor recognition through food and praise reward condition. The dog’s drive and characteristics are vital elements of the process. They undergo testing and retraining throughout their entire careers, ensuring their skills remain sharp.
Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Melissa Aquino said this is a new resource to keep the public safe.
“If you are thinking of going to a big game, a concert, a fair, attending political events because the elections are coming, you can be safely assured that our sheriffs and our K-9 Unit will be there to keep you safe. It is a regional resource. It is not just for the sheriff’s department. We are going to answer calls from all our partner agencies across the region,” she said.
When there is a report of an active shooter, or a bomb threat was called in, or a safety sweep is needed at airports, transportation hubs, dignitary events, parades, festivals, concerts, sporting games, parking lots, buildings and other public areas, or a suspect tosses evidence such as a gun, ammunition or explosive materials – it is an explosives detection K-9 call.
Patmon said he encourages people to join the sheriff’s department and become a K-9 handler.
“This is just the best job in the department. I know I am a little biased, but I enjoy what I do every day. I get to wake up and be with a great partner, and I enjoy that. So, join the sheriff’s department, and luckily, if you are in the sheriff’s department, you might have the good fortune to have a great dog like I have,” he said.
