The Anderson Police Department K-9 Division was started in 1995 by Lieutenant Randal Vaughn. For years Lt. Vaughn had a vision of a K-9 division ultimately consisting of 5 teams. It took 5 years before his dream was fulfilled in 1996. Lt. Vaughn retired with his K-9 Division in full swing. The first dog to join the department in 1996 was “Eros” a German shepherd from Europe. Eros’ handler was Narcotics Investigator Mike Dickson. Eros was a Narcotic detection and tracking dog. The next two dogs to come onboard in the late spring of 1996 were Chuck and Ringo. Both were Belgium Malinois, pronounce Mal-in-wah, also from Europe. Chuck’s handler was Cpl. Wes Barnes and Ringo’s handler was PFC Travis Scott. Later Ringo was transferred to a new handler Ptl. Holly Hamilton who had recently come off active duty with the United States Army where she served as a K-9 handler.

Later that year the last two dogs were brought onboard. Two more Belgium Malinois named Iwan, pronounced Ivan, and Marco. Iwan was assigned to Ptl. Steve Burroughs and Marco to PFC Jim Stewart. Four of the dogs were assigned to the four patrol shifts (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta) and Eros was assigned to Vice / Narcotics. We called them the “CRIME” dogs because the first letter of their names spelled crime.

Chuck, Ringo, Iwan, Marco, Eros (C.R.I.M.E.)
This was not intentional as we just used the names they had on their papers. The “CRIME” name was a coincidence, but it confirmed that the City of Anderson Police Department’s K-9 Division was meant to be. Each dog was immediately considered apart of the Police Family and proved to be an essential asset
to the department and citizens they served. Of the original “Crime Dogs” all have since passed on to “The Rainbow Bridge”. I am glad to say that with the exception of one all of them served the community with relentless courage and no fear. They retired to live at home with their handlers. They died from complications due to old age. Chuck was the only K-9 to die while still on active duty. He died in May of 2001 from heat stress aggravated by an undetected heart condition. He was seven years old. 

The Rainbow Bridge 

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called “The Rainbow Bridge “because of its many colors. Just this side of The Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. Those old and frail animals are young again. Those who have been maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other. But there is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So, each day, they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches, the ears are up, the eyes are staring, and this one runs from the group. You have been seen. When you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again. You look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then, you cross The Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Since the original Crime dogs, the APD has had K-9 Rocket who was a bomb/patrol dog his original handler was Officer Scott Todd and then Officer Benjy Partian. Rocket is retired and living at home.There was K-9 Dash another bomb dog who served with Anderson County Sheriff’s Office before coming to the city. His handler was Officer Holly Hamilton. He has retired and is living with Holly.

Today we have three German Shepherds. These K-9s work in the Patrol Division. K-9 Peppa is handled by PFC  Cory Barrow K-9 Bandit is handled by Officer Brian P. Picard and K-9 Deuce is handled by Officer Jan Debleay. Both dogs originally came from Europe and their responsibilities are to detect the odor of illicit narcotic drugs, track lost and missing persons, find discarded articles and evidence such as a gun tossed into the brush or a field by a fleeing suspect. They also search buildings and areas for suspects. They are also trained to apprehend suspects and protect their handlers.

Officer Brian P. Picard and K-9 Bandit have been partnered together since May 2012. K-9 Bandit is 5 years old and is always ready to work. Although trained as a working dog, Bandit is exceptionally affectionate and will never turn away from a good petting or head rub. When off duty Bandit has his favorite toy ball and two fur friends at home to keep him active. Officer Picard and Bandit are certified in narcotics, apprehension, tracking, article, area, and building searches. As a team, the two truly work as one.

Officer Jan Debleay and K-9 Deuce have been partnered together since July 2012. Officer Debleay is a first time K-9 handler. Deuce is 6 years old and has a prior history of patrol work. When he is not working Deuce likes to play and give affection to his family. Officer Debleay and Deuce are trained in narcotics, apprehension, tracking, article, area, and building searches. This K-9 team works great together and continues to grow together. All of the dogs are extremely friendly and sociable. They are available for school and civic group demonstrations. While we at the A.P.D. believe in having only social dogs please remember they are trained to bite on command but they are not mean or aggressive. They live for the attention given to them by their handlers, children and the citizens they protect. So when you see them out and about ask the handler first before you approach any police dog. I feel certain the handler would love to show off his K-9 partner.

I know the dogs will appreciate all the attention you care to give them.