K-9 Deputy Sheriff Jager
Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has added a new member to their K-9 Unit.
He’s nearly 2.5 feet tall on all four legs and weighs 75 pounds – his name is Jäger and he’s a Dutch Shepherd. Jäger was purchased last August and is certified as an official multi-purpose dog for the agency. Jäger’s certifications include tracking, criminal apprehension, building searches and narcotics detection.
Deputy Chris Shope who is Jäger’s K-9 handler said, “Jäger is trained to locate five main odors of illegal narcotics that include methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroine and ecstasy.”
Patrol Deputy Chris Shope, attended and completed a 6-week Handler’s Course with Starr Mountain Canine Academy after meeting his new partner.
Deputy Shope said, “It’s been challenging over the past few months for my family and I while dealing with Lucy’s sudden death.
Lucy will always have a special place in my heart, but I’m delighted to have an opportunity to continue being a K-9 Handler at Bradley County Sheriff’s Office. Although Lucy and Jäger are two completely different dogs, they both share the same quality – a committed partner.”
Jäger fills the spot of former and beloved K-9 Deputy Sheriff, 3-year-old Lucy, a Belgium Malinois whose remains were found last June beside a railroad track after escaping from her kennel. Though Deputy Shope is pleased with his new partner, he advised, “Jäger has some big paws to fill”, referring to his deceased partner K-9 Deputy Sheriff Lucy.
Sheriff Eric Watson stated, “I’m grateful Deputy Chris Shope has made the decision to continue with our agency as a K-9 Handler. Although Lucy can never be replaced, Patrol Deputy Chris Shope and K-9 Deputy Jäger have already proven to be a great team during their many weeks of training. I’m confident our agency has acquired a top-quality K-9 that will be a great asset to the sheriff’s office, and his skills will continue to progress while training with Chattanooga Police Department’s K-9 Unit.”
Deputy Shope receives K-9 Certification for Jager