In Habersham County, a new Sheriff’s Deputy K9 has joined the force. He is K9 Abu, a German Shepherd from Hungary, and is currently in training for explosives ordnance detection. Officer Abu is certified through the ATF’s National Odor Recognition Testing, a nationally recognized, standardized method to evaluate a K9 team’s ability to detect selected explosives, is available to federal government, law enforcement, fire service, intelligence agency, and military personnel. There is no cost for participating handlers or their agencies. K9 Abu joins experienced EOD handler Lt. Eugene Kemp through the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing partnership with Georgia Emergency Management Agency / Homeland Security that started in 2013. To be in the GEMA / Homeland Security K9 program, the K9s must pass the GEMA K9 test with a minimum score of 90% every year. The test consists of a search of an open area, vehicles, a building, and luggage, and takes two days to complete. In addition to $13,800 for K9 Abu and $3,000 for annual K9 maintenance (food, K9 supplies, vet care), the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office received $80,000 to purchase and equip a 2026 Ford Expedition for EOD K9 use. Through the program, a new vehicle is purchased for the county about every five years. The protective vest purchased for retired K9 Roxy by community partners within the past year will continue to be used by K9 Abu. K9 Roxy retired from duty on August 31st and had been with the Habersham County…
*This content (including text, artwork, graphics, photography, and video) was provided by the third party(ies) as referenced above. Any rights or other content questions or inquiries should be directed to such third-party provider(s).
