Officer Shawn Lewis and his K9 partner, Maxim, are back on patrol after completing an intensive three-week training session in Nashville, NC.
"This marks a significant milestone in their professional development, as the dynamic duo is now even more equipped to tackle the challenges of law enforcement," officials said.
The training was hosted by Southern Police Canine, an organization known for its expertise in training police dogs and their handlers across the southern United States.
Officer Lewis and Maxim joined eight other law enforcement teams, hailing from as far away as Wisconsin, to fine-tune their skills in apprehension, tracking, narcotics detection and article searches.
With over 400 hours of training under his collar, Maxim has achieved dual-certification as a K9 police officer. He is now officially certified in narcotics detection, tracking and suspect apprehension. This comprehensive training makes Maxim an even more formidable asset in the fight against crime in the region, officials said.
“I’m incredibly proud of Maxim’s progress,” said Officer Lewis. “He’s worked hard and mastered many critical skills that will help us serve and protect our community.”
Maxim joined the Collegedale Police Department a little over a year ago, and with this new certification, he is now fully equipped to respond to a broader range of law enforcement needs.
Chief Jack Sapp praised the pair, saying, “Officer Lewis and Maxim have built a strong reputation across Hamilton County as a highly effective and reliable K9 team. Maxim is an invaluable member of our department.”
"With this latest training complete, Officer Lewis and Maxim are eager to hit the streets and continue making a positive impact on public safety. Their dedication and partnership exemplify the vital role that K9 units play in modern law enforcement," officials said.