PAWS UP - LakelandPD K9 Unit Takes TOP DEPARTMENT PATROL TEAM AND TOP PATROL DOG At 2022 USPCA National Field Trials
Congratulations to Sergeant Chad Whitaker with K9 Blizzard and K9 Officers Ryan Back with K9 Smoke, Preston Chatmon with K9 Judah, John Skillman with K9 Mako, and Sergeant Ryan McLaughlin with K-9 LARS who took top patrol dog team honors at the 2022 United States Police Canine Association, Inc. National Dog Trials last week in Lowndes County, Georgia. Our guys took first place in the four-person department team patrol dog category. This marks the fourth time since 2010 that the team has taken home the National four-man team title. This also marks the second time Sergeant Whitaker and a K-9 Partner have taken home the Top Patrol Dog prize. In 2015, Whitaker and K-9 Nox took home top honors.
K-9 Blizzard and Sergeant Chad Whitaker also took home the Top Patrol Dog overall in the individual category.
The 2022 United States Police Canine Association held its National Patrol & Detection Dog Trials during the week of September 18 – 23 in Lowndes County, Georgia, hosting competitors from across the United States. Patrol dog teams competed and tested for certification in obedience, suspect search, article, evidence search, and apprehension, including with simulated gunfire.
Please take the time to congratulate these guys for their outstanding work!
1st Place Department Team:
- Sergeant Chad Whitaker with K9 Blizzard
- Officer Ryan Back with K9 Smoke
- Officer Preston Chatmon with K9 Judah
- Officer John Skillman with K9 Mako
- Sergeant Ryan Mclaughlin with K9 LARS (Alternate)
Overall Patrol Dog:
- 1st Place - Chad Whitaker with K9 Blizzard
- 7th Place - Ryan Back K9 with Smoke
- 11th Place - John Skillman with K9 Mako
Obedience:
- 2nd Place - Chad Whitaker with K9 Blizzard
Criminal Apprehension:
- 1st Place - Chad Whitaker with K9 Blizzard
- 4th Place - John Skillman with K9 Mako
Patrick Cahill Award Top Combined Obedience and Apprehension
- Chad Whitaker with K9 Blizzard