FCSO Welcomes Three Newly Trained K-9s to the Agency

Fully Skilled in Narcotics Detection, Apprehension, Search, and Tracking

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) recently invested in three new dogs, specifically trained for law enforcement work, that have hit the streets with their handlers as highly trained and effective teams to serve the county.

The new K-9’s and their deputy handlers are: Deputy 1st Class (DFC) Jeremy Slodki and his partner K-9 Fetty, a 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross; DFC Douglas Story and his partner K-9 Jax, a 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross; and DFC Miller Yackovich and his partner K-9 Triglav, a 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois.

K-9’s Triglav and Jax recently completed a 16-week patrol school in Montgomery County, where the dogs received training in obedience, article searches, tracking, agility, and apprehension work. Upon completion of the school, the K-9’s received certifications in all aspects of their training.

K-9’s Triglav, Jax, and Fetty then completed an 8-week narcotics detection school that the agency hosted. The dogs received training and certifications to detect cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines.

K-9 Edy, with Corporal Steve Kocevar as his handler, already assigned to the agency as a narcotics detection dog, also completed training at the patrol school in Montgomery County, with certification in article search, tracking, and apprehension.

“Edy, Jax, and Triglav are dual-purpose K-9’s assigned to the agency, and Fetty is a single-purpose K-9 certified in narcotics detection,” said Kocevar. “Along with K-9 Odin, assigned to DFC Tara Shriver, all five K-9’s are vital assets to the agency.”

The K-9’s do not have specific patrol team assignments, instead the dogs have assignments to each rotation and have developed a schedule that makes them available during the times of highest K-9 call volumes.

Along with the FCSO calls for service, and since the beginning of 2022, FCSO K-9’s assisted on 208 calls for service for other police agencies, and so far in 2023, assisted on 72 calls for service for other agencies.

“History demonstrates that K-9’s are very effective in drug scans on traffic stops, allowing deputies to locate and seize illegal drugs from vehicles, which on many occasions has also led to the location and seizure of illegally possessed firearms. Our five K-9 teams are an important tool in combating the trafficking of illegal narcotics in and through Frederick County,” said FCSO Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. “The police K-9 has attributes in searching for items and/or persons that can quickly facilitate their location. Thus, we can better manage resources in a more efficient and effective manner. They, along with their trained handlers, help keep the more than 280,000 citizens of Frederick County safe.”

The three new K-9’s replaced DFC Yackovich’s last partner, Eikel, DFC Story’s last partner, Azor, and DFC Phelps’ partner, Taz. Those three dogs are now retired and live at home with their handlers as household members.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency, an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 280,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and the safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics.

The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East in Frederick. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.