McCreary County Sheriff’s Office welcomes

McCreary County Sheriff (MCS) David Sampson is happy to announce his newest deputy, MCS Deputy Alex E. Jones, is canine handler for the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO.)

MCSO recently welcomed Mando, a three year old Czech German Shepherd, to the team.  Mando, who was donated to MCSO by the Southeast Search and Rescue organization, is trained to sniff out and alert officers to the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.  The organization is also donating training and other K9 essentials.

For Deputy Jones, partnering with Mando is a dream come true.

“Ever since I’ve been in law enforcement, my goal has been to become a canine handler,” Deputy Jones said.  “I’m thrilled to finally fulfill my dream.  It’s going to be great having K9 Mando as a full-time partner, and he will be a huge asset to the county.”

Since Mando was initially trained in the German language, he is bi-lingual.  Deputy Jones is in the process of learning to speak commands in German.

“Mando is beginning to pick up on my speaking German with a country twang,” Jones said with a grin.  “He is listening to me, now.  It took him about a week to get accustomed to the way I speak!”

Mando gets along well with Deputy Jones’s children, and there is a very strong bond between the deputy and canine.

“He is already extremely attached to me,” Jones stated.  “He waits at the door for me.”

Mando’s favorite toy is his “work” toy, a special toy kept hidden and brought out only when Mando is working.  Mando is allowed to play with his “work” toy as a reward when he has done his job well, by sniffing and alerting to illegal drugs.

When off duty, Mando is very playful and enjoys Kong toys and tennis balls.

“He loves anything I can throw for him to fetch back to me,” Jones explained.

As a working dog, Mando has a special diet to keep him in shape and healthy.

Deputy Jones knows it will be different for residents to see him patrolling regularly with his K9 law enforcement partner.

“When people see the K9 vehicle, they should never tease or taunt K9 Mando and should stay away from the back of the vehicle,” Jones advised.  “It’s also important not to pet Mando when he is working.”