The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources recently welcomed new additions to its Law Enforcement Division to assist conservation officers across the Commonwealth.
The three siblings Labrador Retrievers — sisters Cosmo and River and their brother Gambit — have joined the division as new K-9 service dogs.
KFW officials said in a release the K-9s are strategically partnered with officers to spread out coverage and serve regional needs. Conservation Officer Evan Hughes and K-9 Cosmo will serve Region 1 in western Kentucky. Conservation Officer Cody Berry and K-9 Gambit will serve Region 2 in south central Kentucky, and Conservation Officer Glen Griffie and K-9 River will serve Region 5 in eastern Kentucky.
According to officials, the dogs were paired with their conservation officer handlers at the Highland Canine Training Center in Harmony, North Carolina. The officers spent three weeks receiving training to handle and communicate with the K-9s, which have been trained to assist in the field with trailing, article location and narcotics detection.
The three dogs reside with the conservation officers and their families to help them to trust and care for each other.
Generally considered the most popular dog breed in the United States, KFW officials say Labrador Retrievers are also a popular choice for law enforcement agencies across the country due to their easy-going nature, intelligence, and they are easily trained and eager to learn. Officials indicate they are also powerful and indefatigable swimmers and can tolerate cold waters. Those same traits, officials say make them a popular breed for outdoor sporting enthusiasts.
