The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its K-9 program with a new addition: Attkus, an explosives detection dog. The Commissioners Court approved two key items on Tuesday to support the program, including a $7,500 donation from AKC Reunite for Attkus’ adoption and training, and funding for Deputy Jarod Mills to attend certification training in North Carolina this summer.
Chief Deputy Michael Adcock informed the commissioners that Attkus will be trained not only in explosive detection but also in patrol duties and crime scene evidence recovery, enhancing the Sheriff's Office's ability to respond to a variety of situations. The K-9 program has been active since Sheriff Botie Hillhouse’s first term began in 2016.
“This dog is going to be used quite a bit around here,” Adcock said. “It’s going to save time and add a safety factor for the public, giving us the ability to respond quicker.”
Henderson County has faced several bomb threats in recent years, including one that led to the courthouse being shut down for most of a day. Currently, the department relies on federal ATF K-9 teams, which can take hours to respond.
Attkus is already in training at Highland K-9 in Harmony, North Carolina. Deputy Mills will join the program from May 17 to June 13 to complete handler certification and learn the dog’s specific detection responses.
Sheriff Hillhouse expressed enthusiasm about the new addition: “An explosives detection dog will be a real asset to Henderson County, both in terms of public safety and our ability to respond quickly when threats arise.”
