Watch: Sarasota K-9s Almost Ready for Active Duty

Check out the video of Bronson’s graduation below.

Criminals beware: The Sarasota Police Department is one step closer to having two new K-9 teams at its disposal.

Two of the agency’s K-9 teams officially graduated from a 480-hour training program Thursday night at the St. Petersburg Police Department’s K-9 Training Compound. While they have the “book” knowledge for the job under their belts, the two teams must still pass a state certification test before they can hit the streets, the agency noted in an email to media. St. Petersburg also graduated three new teams during Thursday’s ceremony.

Officer Nick Dominis and his furry partner Coti and Officer Jake Nelson and partner Bronson are expected to take the test soon. Coti is a German Shepard who turns 2 this June. Bronson, also a German Shepard, turns 2 in May.

The Sarasota department currently has three dogs in its K-9 unit, under the direction of Sgt. Michael McHale.

“Our officers have worked diligently to train these dogs to serve and protect the residents and visitors of the City of Sarasota,” McHale said. “We’re thankful to the leadership of the Sarasota Police Department and the City of Sarasota for their continuous support of our K-9 program.”

Photos courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department

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