Local sheriff’s office welcomes new K9
Published at | Updated at
BLACKFOOT — The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office wants you to meet Jocko, the department’s new K9 dog.
Jocko is a two year old Shepinois, which is a mix of a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois. Jocko started on the force around two weeks ago and Crpl. Jared Miller, his handler and trainer, said he’s already doing a good job.
“We’re very excited,” Miller said of his new partner. “It’s great to be able to get back with community relations, taking him to schools and getting him back on the road and getting him looking again.”
Jocko is replacing Miller’s first canine partner, Duco, who died unexpectedly after an injury to his back.
RELATED | Bingham County Sheriff’s Office mourns ‘one of its most valuable employees’
As a K9 dog, Jocko is trained to detect and track narcotics, as well as catch suspects. He’s also trained to track down people who are lost, such as children or people with dementia.
In Jocko’s first two weeks, Miller says he’s located several people and found drugs and drug money.
“He loves to get in the car and going to work and hanging out,” Miller said.
While Jocko is “easy going” and mellow most of the time, Miller said he’s also energetic and playful. When Jocko isn’t working, he lives with Miller and his family.
Miller spoke to the importance of what Jocko does for the community.
“It’s extremely important … not only to get drugs off the road, but if someone gets lost, we can help find them and bring them home. It’s a huge benefit to do that,” says Miller.