A new chapter is beginning for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, as Deputy Corey Bowers takes over as handler for K9 officer Doc following the death of Doc’s previous partner, Deputy Mike Williams.
Bowers said stepping into the role comes with both pride and deep respect for the legacy left behind.
“This isn’t just any transition,” Bowers said in an interview. “Doc was Deputy Williams’ partner. There’s a lot of history there, and I take that seriously.”
Deputy Williams, who recently passed away, had worked closely with Doc, forming a bond that colleagues say was evident both on and off duty. His loss has been felt across the department, making the transition a meaningful one for everyone involved.
For Bowers, the responsibility goes beyond learning a new assignment; it’s about honoring that partnership while building his own with the experienced K9.
“Doc already knows the job,” Bowers said. “Now it’s about me earning his trust and making sure we continue the work Deputy Williams started.”
The process of becoming a K9 handler involves extensive training, including daily exercises and scenario-based drills designed to strengthen communication between handler and dog. Because K9 officers live with their handlers, the bond also develops at home, where Doc is now adjusting to a new environment.
“That’s a big part of it,” Bowers explained. “He’s not just with me at work, he’s with me all the time. That’s how you build that connection.”
Doc remains an active and valuable member of the sheriff’s office, assisting in suspect apprehension, tracking, and searches. Officials say maintaining continuity within the K9 Unit is critical, even during difficult transitions like this one.
Bowers said he is committed to upholding the standard set by Williams while moving forward with Doc as a team.
“You can’t replace what they had,” he said. “But you can respect it and do everything you can to carry it on the right way.”
As Bowers and Doc begin working together, the partnership represents both a continuation of service and a tribute to the deputy who came before, a reminder of the lasting bond between handler and K9, and the legacy that bond can leave behind.
