K9 team certified in explosives detection

In the run-up to more high-profile international sporting events in Sarasota County such as the 2017 World Rowing Championships, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is increasing its ability to detect concealed threats.

Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Biegel and K9 Ryker were recently certified in explosives detection by the National Police Canine Association.

The K9 team attended 80 hours of training, which included searching dozens of vehicles and thousands of parcels, as well as more than a dozen building and area searches. They also performed hundreds of discrimination searches, which ensures Ryker only alerts to bomb making materials among the hundreds of items that could potentially distract him.

“K9s are a force multiplier and currently the best method available to detect explosives,” Sheriff Tom Knight said. “As Sarasota County grows and becomes an international destination for large crowds, we have to be prepared to identify concealed threats.”

Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Wendy Rose said the new bomb detection capability, "is a wise investment as we become an international sports destination and host larger and larger crowds."

Ryker did not miss a single item during the certification test. Ryker can locate 31 different odors associated with bomb making materials. The team will pursue certification to search for firearms and spent shell casings.

Deputy Biegel and K9 Ryker are the only certified bomb detection team in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands counties, and the first at this agency since 2004.

“Their training and experience will also benefit other communities,” Rose said, “as Deputy Biegel is assigned to a multi-agency response team, including being deployed for large public events outside our county.”

Contact Nolan Peterson at [email protected]