UFPD adds new explosive-detecting dog

May 13, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Rocky has joined the University of Florida Police Department K-9 Team.

Rocky is a 2-year-old German shepherd and comes to UF from the Czech Republic.

Officer Henri Belleville, a seven-year veteran with the UFPD, traveled to West Palm Beach to spend 80 hours training with Rocky before the team headed back certified in explosive detection.

Rocky joins Gator, a 5-year-old German shepherd who has been with the UFPD for nearly four years. Gator is handled by Sgt. Matt David, a 10-year veteran of UFPD. Rocky is the UFPD’s third K-9. The K-9 team began in 2002 when Kim joined the force. Kim worked until 2007 when she retired and now resides with her handler, Lt. Scott Summers.

The K-9 team was created in response to the need for increased security precautions at special events on campus as well as the tragedy of Sept. 11. All current and past K-9 teams are certified in explosive detection.

When the K-9 team was established in 2002 the UFPD handled 456 events. The UFPD handled 1,610 events in 2010 and the addition of Rocky will allow for the department to handle more events reducing the need of outside agency assistance.