Police Canine as a Career
 

In 1966, I was selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Sentry Dog School, located in Wiesbaden Germany. Little did I know then I would be retiring from the TN State Highway Patrol as their dog trainer in the year 2013. Canine has been one heck-of-a ride for me. I was involved in the very beginning of patrol, drug and explosives detectors for the military. I worked with mine/tunnel/tripwire dogs. I've handled sentry, patrol, drug, explosives and cadaver detector dog at some point in my career. I worked in research with dogs doing some things I'm still not sure I'm permitted to talk about. Ever hear of a water dog? I laugh when I think of Dr. Craig calling me a "Dinosaur in a Star Wars World", when I commented that the dog will remain the primary method of explosives detection during our lifetime. (That was in 1982) For the past 23+ years I have had the pleasure of being the trainer and Director of Canine for the State Patrol. Combined with the 23 years of military service with the MWD program I will be closing a career that has spanned over 46 years. I hope the future generation of dog handlers have the passion for K9 I have had this many years. I'm not leaving the forum, I'll keep my feet wet at least. I certainly do not see me buying a briefcase and joining the throng of "professional consultants" or going on the lecture circuit. I think I'll be content doing my woodworking and working on my Cushman Motor Scooters. I wish you all well and please remember, the primary objective remains; we go home when the shift is over.


DFrost

Congratulations on your awesome career, and I hope you enjoy retirement. :)

Did you have dog experience going into the USAF, or were you selected for the school for other reasons, if you don't mind me asking? I used to want a career in law enforcement, particularly either mounted or K9 units (before realizing that I'm really not suited for it LOL), and always like hearing how people got involved.

Please do keep this forum updated on your lectures. Am always keeping my ears peeled for these things, I personally would love to listen to any experienced trainer speak about their experiences, let alone someone who has been in K9 for 46 years.

Enjoy retirement.

Congratulations on your retirement and the awesome career that you have had in the military as well as with the Highway Patrol Department.
I sounds like you have had one heck of a ride and hopefully the future generations of trainers can live up to the dedication that you have given in your K9 training.
Good luck to you!

Contgratulations on retiring! It sounds like you had an awesome career.

Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your service to the U.S. and to Tennessee. And thank you for sharing your knowledge on the board.

Enjoy your retirement you certainly deserve it and have wonderful memories of a great career that you put so much into:)

Mr. Frost I have appreciated the service you have given AND the very solid advice over the past several years both here and elsewhere!

You need to start posting your Cushman and woodworking pictures here!

Congratulations on your Retirement!!!! I'd love to hear some of your training stories!!!

Congratulations and enjoy your retirement :). I'm sure both the two and four legged thank you for your hard work and dedication