DENMARK – Sgt. Horace S. Brunson has a new partner. His name is Rebo, and he’s joined the Denmark Police Department’s K-9 unit.

Rebo came to the department in early April and has completed his first phase of training. The 16-month-old German Shepherd was acquired as a drug interdiction dog.

“The K-9 basically deters crime, and it’s good for drug enforcement,” Brunson said. “A lot of drug dealers know a dog will pick up on a scent. Normally, they’ll see the K-9 unit or a handler walking with a K-9 (and) they’ll actually go in the opposite direction because they don’t want to be detected.”

Rebo has already made an impact, causing suspected drug dealers on street corners to move elsewhere.

“Now you’ve got your hoodlums and drug dealers that stand on a normal street corner moving back into the shadows to keep the K-9 from detecting them. They don’t want anything to do with a K-9,” Brunson said.

Rebo has already completed 13 weeks of basic training; advanced training will be later this year.

Brunson says Rebo lives with him and his family.

“They love him and he loves them. Basically, with a K-9 it’s like having a child. You have to take time out and stop (for him to) use the bathroom, (take) water breaks, food breaks, but he’s real receptive to riding. He knows when the lights go on, we’re getting ready to do something. With this K-9, it’s 24-7, 365 days. ... on my days off, we’re still training,” Brunson said.

The two partners have their own patrol vehicle. Brunson and Rebo patrol the streets in a 2006 Mercury Mariner fully marked, including K-9 markings.

Denmark Police Chief Leroy Grimes said use of the smaller SUV was a conscience decision to save the city money on fuel.

“Officer Brunson is one of my officers that came to me who is very interesting ... he loves the kids because he has kids of his own. ... we made the decision to utilize him as the SRO (school resource officer). We sent him to Columbia to be certified.”

Grimes said Rebo is making progress in his training.

”I had my own theory on certain dogs. I voiced my opinion on it. Finally, we came on a decision to buy a German Shepherd. The dog seems to be picking up. Matter of fact, I have seen changes in the dog in the training ... he’s catching on.”

T&D Correspondent Kevin Marshall can be reached by e-mail at kdmsr33@yahoo.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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