On July 17, 2013, Major John Horne welcomed the newest members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office K9 team. Cpl. Shawn Cathcart and his K9 partner Bruno, were presented a certificate of completion in the Basic Canine Handlers Course and certification in patrol and narcotics detection.
Cpl. Cathcart is a 9 year veteran with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and his partner Bruno, is an 18 month old, male German Sheperd. Bruno lives with Cpl. Cathcart and his family and has excelled in training. Bruno has been found to be a loyal partner and highly motivated.
Cpl. Cathcart and Bruno successfully completed a sixteen week entry level canine course. This course certified the canine team in patrol searches to include, tracking, building searches, obedience and aggression control. The canine team was also certified in narcotics searches to include, building, area, and vehicle searches for marijuana, hashish, cocaine, ecstasy, and methamphetamine.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is fortunate to have Master K9 Trainer, Cpl. Todd Fleenor on staff. Cpl. Fleenor completes all K9 training for the Sheriff’s Office and is responsible for the management of the K9 Unit.
“Our K9 unit continues to be a highly skilled and dedicated canine team that provides an important service to our community and our overall Law Enforcement mission. Congratulations.” Sheriff Timothy Cameron.
