The Zachary Police Department's K-9 division, which includes handlers Sgt. Brian Morris and Sgt. Alex Bonds and their respective K-9s Rukus and Thor, participated in the U.S. Police Canine Association's Region 10 field trials and certification on LSU's campus in April.

Sgt. Bonds and his K-9 Thor were one of the 24 narcotics detection teams that became certified, while Sgt. Morris and his K-9 Rukus were one of 38 teams certified in patrol.

Rukus's score also qualified him to attend the 2012 PD1 National Field Trials held Oct. 15-19 in Punta Gorda, Fla., hosted by the by the Punta Gorda Police Department.

K-9 Thor placed at the event and will be attending the National Detector Dog Field Trials in May in Lakeland, Fla.

The dogs, both German Shepherds, must become certified annually, Morris said.

When Morris, a nine-year law enforcement veteran, joined the Zachary PD seven years ago, he said the K-9 division was already in progress with one team, (a handler and a K-9 make up a team), but quickly expanded to include three teams. "Now, we're back down to two teams but plan to expand in the future and hope to have four," said Morris.

"Being a handler is something that always interested me," Morris said. "About four years ago, I got Rukus from a kennel, and he came already trained."

Morris explained that there are kennels which specialize in K-9 training and the dogs - typically German Shephard or Belgian Malinois breeds - come trained or untrained.

"A trained K-9 is more expensive than one that you would train yourself," explained Morris.

He said trained K-9s can cost $15,000 vs. untrained ones which cost about $7,000.

Morris said Rukus is considered a member of his family. "He's my partner and friend," Morris says.

Congratulations to Sgt. Morris and Rukus and Sgt. Bonds and Thor of the Zachary Police Department.