The Thomasville Police Department (TPD) recently welcomed a new member to their family. Apollo, a two-year-old German Shepherd, is the latest K-9 recruit assigned to serve and protect the Thomasville community. He replaces K-9 Tank who retired in November of 2020 after six years of service to TPD.
“We are thrilled to welcome K-9 Apollo to the TPD family,” said Chief John Letteney. “I am confident that Police Officer Leonard Angel and K-9 Apollo will form an exceptional team and that the duo will serve our community well.”
Angel, a four-year veteran of the TPD, is excited about the journey and relationship building that lies ahead for the duo. “I plan to continue to learn and grow with Apollo,” said Angel. “Apollo is my first K-9 and I am his first handler. I am looking forward to working daily to strengthen our bond, and I am confident that he will go above and beyond to serve the citizens of Thomasville,” said Angel.
K-9 Apollo was purchased on June 23, 2021, from Southern State K-9 in Hattiesburg, MS. “The purchase was made possible through a $15,000 donation from the William Howard Flowers, Jr. Foundation Inc.,” said Letteney. “We are extremely appreciative of the donation which assisted with the costs associated with the purchase and training of Apollo.” Letteney says that community partnerships are critical to the overall success of any police department. “We are fortunate to serve a community filled with partners that constantly express their gratitude and appreciation in a wide variety of ways,” he added.
Apollo was one of several prospective canines available to TPD personnel. “I chose him because he exhibits a deliberate search method and he is methodical when searching for substances such as narcotics or people,” said Angel. “The assistance of Corporal Brandon Kent was invaluable to the selection process. He provided necessary knowledge and experience to identify a canine that meets the goals of our program.” Officer Angel and Apollo will comprise the third canine unit to be in active service with TPD.
According to Angel, the duo began their training in August of 2021 and completed the program in December. “K-9 Apollo and I began our training at Southern State K-9 under the guidance of lead instructor Bubba Howell,” said Angel. “As a new canine, Apollo’s process began with elementary stages and progressed through the process of learning how to do things such as criminal apprehension, narcotics detection, tracking, and article searching. We worked extensively for ten weeks to prepare him to serve the community.”
In order to serve as a K-9 Handler, Angel was required to successfully achieve K-9 certification. “I completed my certification through Southern State K-9 which is known as one of the regional leaders in canine education and certification,” said Angel. “The program employs the most up-to-date case law on how to appropriately use canines for law enforcement purposes.”
Angel said he is proud to serve the community with his K-9. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” he said. “In a very short time, I have already built an indescribable bond with Apollo. I know that on every call to which I respond, I will have a partner that is prepared to assist me while serving and protecting this wonderful community.”
Although he has only recently arrived, K-9 Apollo has quickly made himself at home in Thomasville. “Apollo has let it be known that a visit to Ellianos Coffee for a sugar-free pup cup is at the top of his favorite local destinations,” said Letteney. “I am confident that K-9 Apollo will be welcomed with open arms by our community which has an incredible amount of respect, love, and appreciation for all of our K-9’s.”
Pictured Above: Office Leonard Angel and K9 Apollo