Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston welcomed K9 (canine) ‘Maggie’ into service in the Sheriff’s Office.

Maggie, a 9 month old AKC registered bloodhound, was acquired via a grant from “AKC Reunite, a private foundation, from ‘Bluegrass Bloodhounds Inc.’ in Kentucky. Maggie received 6 months of basic training at the ‘Bluegrass’ facility before being certified as a tracking dog and turned over to the Sheriff Office for field use.

Maggie’s handler/partner SFC Lindsey Azar, underwent a week of familiarization training as well as tracking operations prior to taking custody of Maggie. Maggie was officially ‘appointed’ today by Sheriff Ralston who is seen here presenting her with her own badge, Maggie’s handler SFC Azar, is a 15 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.

Maggie’s duties will include tracking and locating fugitives and lost persons.