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K-9 Blaze (left) and K-9 Reggie (right) are retiring this month.
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At the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, it can be bittersweet when a K-9 retires. While the end of their careers as police dogs can bring some sadness, it is also a celebration of their hard work and achievements. After dedicating a majority of their lives to serving and protecting the community, they get some time to rest and enjoy their families at home.
Two of our beloved K-9s, Reggie and Blaze, are retiring this month. We talked with their handlers, Sergeant Mike Kilian and Deputy Jeff Clement, about Reggie and Blaze's career highlights and what their retirement will look like.
Sergeant Mike Kilian and K-9 Reggie
How was Reggie's career overall?
Reggie has been with the sheriff's office for seven years. His biggest achievement was winning first place in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) portion of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Field Trials Detector Certifications in 2020. Although Reggie had to stay with me in the office sometimes due to my role as sergeant, what he lacked in tracking deployments he made up for in EOD sweeps, which is where he excelled.
Any proud moments that stand out?
Reggie is a great demo dog. He has such an easy-going personality, and he loves being around people (as long as they play with his tug toy). It was always fun letting him out at Sheriff's Citizens Academy where he would run from person to person wanting to play. I was proud knowing he was so well trained and personable that he could always be around the public without any issue. This was a great characteristic because community relations in law enforcement is so important.
Favorite memory:
Reggie and I worked EOD sweeps during the 2016 presidential campaign. Reggie was honored to meet Vice President Mike Pence. We swept his hotel and airplane while he visited Pinellas County.
Funniest moment:
Every year during Major League Baseball spring training events, the PCSO Canine Unit assisted with EOD sweeps. When the Toronto Blue Jays came to Dunedin, Reggie and I were often at the games checking for bombs. After finishing the EOD sweeps, I would walk Reggie through the stadium and let him meet the staff and fans during the game. He quickly became recognized by the fans and staff because Reggie has wide hips and is a very distinct-looking dog. During conversations with people, I would always joke that members of the Canine Unit nicknamed Reggie, "Beyoncé," because of his hips. Every year after that, staff members would approach me when I arrived and ask, "where is Beyoncé?" It became a running joke at the stadium.
What will retirement look like for Reggie?
I have teenage sons who are excited to take Reggie on Jeep rides on the Dunedin Causeway, taking him to the beach, and fishing. Reggie will spend his Friday nights walking with my wife and I at third Friday events in Safety Harbor making new friends. Maybe we will introduce him to pizza and ice cream, too. We have four other dogs in our home, so Reggie will have more time to play with the others or just lounge around the house. Either way, I am sure Reggie will have a great retirement.
Deputy Jeff Clement and K-9 Blaze
How was Blaze's career overall?
Blaze has been with the sheriff's office for seven years. He has brought many laughs and smiles during his interactions with citizens during K-9 demonstrations. But with the flip of a switch, he can spring into action and track a fleeing suspect. Blaze has had a very successful career and really enjoyed working for the sheriff's office.
Any proud moments that stand out?
I am proud of all the bad guys he has caught hiding in places that humans would never have located. His bond with me and his willingness to protect me under any circumstance is more than admirable.
What's the biggest difference between Blaze and his four-legged colleagues?
All of the dogs in the unit are spectacular at their jobs, but each dog has unique traits that make them excel in different areas. Blaze has a very good nose for locating firearms. He has found numerous firearms discarded by suspects throughout the years. One time during a track, Blaze gave a distinct head turn toward a small crack in the foundation of a porch. At first, I believed he was distracted by a cat. But as I looked further, Blaze located a magazine from a handgun wedged in the crack. Then, he located the firearm underneath a flowerpot. Blaze did not locate a person that day, but the evidence he uncovered resulted in an arrest.
Funniest moment?
Blaze loves the water, from playing in puddles to swimming in the pool and tracking through canals and lakes. We learned very quickly to watch him when he was let out in the backyard. On several occasions, we looked out the window and saw him swimming laps or just lounging on the shelf in the pool.
What will retirement look like for Blaze?
Blaze will be working for Blue Collar Training by training people's house pets. Blaze is very good around other dogs, and I am looking forward to having him help out with training other dogs. My wife Emily also has lots of adventures planned for Blaze. She plans on taking him on hikes in the woods and trips to the beach. Blaze loves hanging out with his family and will thoroughly enjoy going on these new adventures.