K-9 Jazz welcomed as newest member of Corbin Police Dept.

The Corbin Police Department’s K-9 unit recently welcomed Jazz, a Belgian Malinois, as their newest service dog.

Jazz, a 17-month-old female, features a light brown coat with a dark brown face.

She has been described as confident, loyal, and dedicated to her duties.

For the past six months, Jazz has undergone narcotics training and has been partnered with her handler, E. Rhodes, since January.

The decision to acquire Jazz was prompted by the K-9 unit’s expansion plans, initiated by Chief Rusty Hedrick. Sydney Cobb from Free Spirit Kennels in East Bernstadt was contacted, and it was there that Jazz was discovered.

Free Spirit Working Canines has a long-standing reputation of training dogs for various tasks, including police patrol and scent detection, for nearly two decades.

Obtaining Jazz cost around $4,500. They did receive donations to make this happen.

Jazz is eagerly anticipating her role and displays a strong sense of responsibility.

Her official certification in Narcotics Detection Dog Association (NNDA) from Tennessee is scheduled for June, which will verify her training and expertise in drug detection.

This certification will eliminate any doubts about her abilities.

To maintain her certification, Jazz will need to be recertified annually in Tennessee and undergo training sessions once or twice a week.

Typically, service dogs continue their duties until they are physically unable to perform them, at which point they retire.

In Jazz’s case, she will continue working until she reaches an appropriate age, after which she will remain with Rhodes as a pet.

“Jazz will definitely help us with the interdiction of drugs. A lot of people that deal with narcotics know their rights and know they do not have to consent to searches and Jazz is another weapon we can utilize to detect the drugs. We stop cars every day and we don’t know who has drugs and who doesn’t… Jazz can work around the car and alert to indicate there is dope in the car. It really changes the game for us,” Rhodes said.

Given the prevailing drug problem in the region, it is unsurprising to witness its severity. Jazz’s inclusion in the team offers a significant advantage in combating the drug epidemic plaguing our area.

Rhodes and Jazz have formed a strong bond and work together well.

“Jazz is a free spirited and loving dog and just wants to work. She wants petted and she loves treats. She is very exceptional, listens well, and she is obedient. My family loves her. She’s just a good dog. She doesn’t have any mean in her. Very well-tempered,” Rhodes said.

The handler-dog relationship is crucial for their effectiveness. Rhodes emphasizes the importance of trust, saying, “You have to trust your dog. Jazz is capable of working with anyone, but the better you treat a dog, the better the dog will treat you.”

Since Jazz has recently joined the team, there hasn’t been an opportunity to showcase her to the community; however, plans are underway to introduce Jazz to local schools, allowing children to meet her.

Rhodes further emphasizes the remarkable abilities of service dogs, which often go unnoticed. He praises Jazz’s intelligence and keen observation of people and situations. While it is vital to allow service dogs to perform their tasks without interference or aggression, Jazz is described as exceptional. She maintains focus while on duty and enjoys playtime when off duty.

Rhodes revealed that Jazz is excelling in her current role to such an extent that there are considerations for branching out into tracking work in the future.

Overall, Rhodes is thrilled to continue working with Jazz.

“Being a K-9 handler is my career goal. I am a simple guy, and I find happiness in working with K-9s. This is an exciting thing for me. I want to make an impact on the city for the good. Drugs are really consuming the city and a lot of families have been impacted by it. A lot of lives have been ruined because of one bad decision spiraling out of control. I hope to make an impact in that,” Rhodes said.

Additionally, Hedrick shares Rhodes’s concern about eradicating drugs from the town. Jazz is playing a vital role in accomplishing that objective.