Bolivar, TN 08/04/2020: The Bolivar Police Department announced the addition of a canine officer to their staff on Monday, August 3, 2020. K-9 Officer Buddy is a three (3) year old German Shepherd. K-9 Officer Buddy is now a fully certified canine law enforcement officer and has completed 25 weeks of intensive training with his handler, Sergeant Allen Sides.
Buddy was trained at K-9 Tennessee Working Dogs by Trainer Allen Strickland. K-9 Officer Buddy is trained in tracking, narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, evidence searches, and building searches. Both Sergeant Sides and Buddy received certification from the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association as a K-9 Team.
“We are excited to welcome K-9 Officer Buddy to the Bolivar Police Department. The addition of a canine unit will be invaluable to the continuing mission of the department,” said Chief Michael Jones. Chief Jones added, “We also would like to remind the public that K-9 Officer Buddy should not be petted or approached in an aggressive manner while working.” K-9 Officer Buddy and Sergeant Sides will begin regular patrols effective immediately.