Loudoun Explosives Canine, Partner Graduate From Detection School

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office welcomed the agency’s newest member Friday, a 2-year-old explosive detection canine named Ginny. The dog and her partner Deputy First Class Chris Shore graduated from Explosive Detection Canine School this week.

Shore is a 20-year veteran of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and has been a member of the Loudoun County Bomb Squad for 15-years. K9 Ginny, a Labrador Retriever, and Shore completed a 16-week, 7-day a week training course that consisted of imprinting on explosive odors and refining handler techniques and searching skills.

Shore and K9 Ginny will assist with searches during bomb threats, investigate suspicious packages, help with security at special events, and assist with future searches associated with the Silver Line section of Metro when the train's extension into Loudoun County opens.

Deputy First Class Erik Dimas served as a co-trainer in the class as part of his work toward completing mandatory requirements for obtaining an Explosive Detection K9 Trainers Certification through the United States Police Canine Association.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office has K9 teams assigned to its Field Operations Division, Operational Support Division, Criminal Investigations Division and Adult Detention Center.