Local k-9 Wins Top Dog Overall

A Texarkana Arkansas K-9 has received top honors.

Recently, Texarkana Arkansas Police K-9 Officer Randy McAdams with K-9 ‘Gus’ attended the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 20 Canine certification and competition in McKinney, Texas. This certification tests all aspects of K-9 handling including patrol functions and narcotics detection, which the handler and dog have to pass to continue working together at their law enforcement agency. In addition to certification, the handlers and their dogs compete against other teams within the region for placement in several categories including the prestigious Overall Top Dog Award.

While attending the annual certification during March 31^st – April 4th, Officer McAdams and K-9 “Gus” a 5 ½ year old Shepherd from Czechoslovakia, performed well above the recognized standard. The certification process is a weeklong testing and evaluation procedure which includes several areas of assessment. The competition included 24 canine teams, some of which have been recognized or competed nationally during previous certifications, such as Officer McAdams and K-9 Gus. McAdams and Gus placed within the top three in nearly every category and received honors of taking Top Dog overall. This is Officer McAdams and Gus’s forth regional trial and certification competition. This team has placed in the top four overall as Handler and Dog for the last four years at each Regional Trial, as well as first place patrol team in 2011 and second place patrol team in 2012 and 2013 with the K-9. This year proved to be even more remarkable with the team achieving the following;

1^st Place in Tracking

2^nd Place in Agility

2^nd Place in Evidence

3^rd Place in Apprehension

4^th Place in Suspect Search

4^th Place in Obedience

1^st Place in Patrol Overall

1^st Place in Patrol and Narcotics Overall

Top Dog overall

Officer McAdams and Gus have qualified for the USPCA National Competition every year. This year they are scheduled to attend the National Competition in South Carolina this October.

When not backing other officers on high priority police calls, preparing for certification, training or working a special event like festivals or the fair, McAdams and Gus can be found assisting other law enforcement officers and agencies who continually call upon the team to assist with traffic stops, drug detection, lost, wanted and escaped subjects. This activity amounts to over 2100 calls a year resulting in the arrests of over 200 criminals, not to mention locating subjects who are lost, suicidal, or have escaped from custody.

The placement of Officer Randy McAdams and ‘Gus’ in these competitions is a testament to the quality of K-9 Teams maintained at the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department. Officer Randy McAdams says, “I am thankful the Lord has blessed me with the ability to make a living and take care of my family while working with a great partner and helping others”.

The quality of canines that the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department has would not be possible without the unwavering support and assistance of the Texarkana community. Gus was purchased with a grant provided by longtime resident and supporter Julia Mobley with Commercial National Bank. This assistance and encouragement from our community is invaluable to the success and accomplishments of Officer McAdams and Gus.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.