SPD puts fourth K-9 unit on patrol

The Sarasota Police Department has a new furry patrol officer. On Wednesday, Aug. 20, Chief Rex Troche presented K-9 Butch with his official agency. Badge after completing 480 hours of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Equivalency Course Basic K-9 Handler Training along with his human partner, Officer Adam Bearden.

Image courtesy of Sarasota Police Department

Butch, a Dutch Shepherd born in February 2024, is now patrol-certified and serving alongside Officer Bearden, one of four SPD K-9 units.