RPD team competes in national K9 challenge set to air on ESPN2

A team from the Rochester Police Department will be featured in a new K9 competition being televised nationally later this month.

RPD Officer Officer Brian Roussell and K9 Sarge were among 20 teams to recently compete in the American Kennel Club/United States Police Canine Association K9 Detection Dog Challenge.

The event, held in North Carolina, included some of the nation’s top explosives and narcotics detection dog teams.

While the results of the challenge remain a secret for now, viewers can tune in to watch the challenge on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. on ESPN2.

According to a news release from the city, Officer Roussell and Sarge competed in the explosives division, where teams had to find hidden explosive substances. They were scored on the accuracy of their search, perfection of their alert, and the find itself (a combination of the ability of the dog and the handler to accurately tell judges where the hide is located).

Prior to the show airing, the public is invited to meet the RPD duo, get Sarge’s pawtograph, and see a short demo. Visitors can also learn more about Animal Control’s work in the community.

The meet-and-greet is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Rochester Pet & Country Store, 1550 Third Avenue SE.

The store will also use the event to collect donations for the Olmsted-Rochester K9 Foundation. (Requested donations include KONG toys, chews/treats made in the U.S., and cash).

Cover photo courtesy the City of Rochester