BCSO Announces Official Certification of K-9 Hondo

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office has announced the official certification of Deputy Robert Cooper and his K-9 partner, Hondo.

After completing five weeks of intensive training, the team earned certification through the National Detection and Patrol Canine Association. Hondo, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois mix, is now a fully certified patrol K-9 trained in narcotics detection, tracking, article searches, building searches, and suspect apprehension.

Hondo was made possible through a generous private donation from Janet Buchanan, whose support helped bring this valuable resource to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Cooper brings a wealth of experience to his new role as a K-9 handler. He has served with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office for more than seven years. Prior to his law enforcement career, he served 20 years in the United States Army, including four deployments, two to Iraq and two to Afghanistan.

Photo Courtesy of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office