The Clark County Sheriff has a new deputy coming to the department, but he is not your typical new recruit. Gordon is a four year old who will be the new K-9 partner of Deputy Chris Doolin. Doolin began his career with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department in 2008 after serving the Enon Police Department for nine years with Chief Paul Wilmer. Doolin served as Interim Chief for a short time following Chief Wilmer’s departure.

At this time, Doolin and Gordon are taking part in a six week training course. Gordon was donated to the department by Talarie Brown his owner and Steve Dunham his trainer. The German shepherd is dual trained in drug recognition and patrol and will be working with Doolin in an effort to combat the Heroin epidemic according to Clark County Sheriff Deborah Burchett.

Once the partners complete their training, they will be on call 24-7-365 as needed by the department. Gordon is living at home with Deputy Doolin so the being called out at all times of the day will not be a concern. Sheriff Burchett explained that the cost of training is being paid by drug forfeiture money in the department’s budget.

Doolin and Gordon have spent time bonding over the past week and have already engaged in some training prior to the official start of their course. “He is very well behaved” said Doolin of the K-9 at home. He has interacted with children and been easily managed to know when he is in working mode and when he is off duty. A vest is being donated for K-9 Officer Gordon by a member of the local community so that he will be well protected while on duty.

Deputy Doolin was selected as Gordon’s partner through a process of application. He had to meet certain qualifications, write a two page letter, submit a resume and participate in an interview with a panel to receive the assignment.

Once Gordon has completed all of his training, he will participate in an actual swearing in ceremony and receive his badge just like any other member of the law enforcement community.