CBP K-9 Officers, Dogs Unleash Capabilities

Customs and Border Protection K-9 officers were on hand to support the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office’s participation in their “Take Your Child to Work Day”

The K-9 officers were happy to be able to share their dogs with the more than 100 children who attended the event.

“I want the children to see that although we have high-tech equipment, we still use our four-legged friends to do the job,” said Customs and Border Protection K-9 Officer Cliff Davidson. “Nothing can really replace the dog. He’s a very mobile asset who can travel around people and over luggage with ease.”

The children watched as Davidson and his narcotics detector dog, Rip, traveled through the audience. Rip was working to find narcotics and the children laughed as one parent admitted he was “carrying”. Special Agent Ed Tarver volunteered to be the “plant” in the demonstration so the audience can see how well Rip did his job.

“Watching my dad in the exhibit was pretty cool,” said Zachary Tarver, 14. “I want to adopt one of those dogs,” he added.

Rip, a black laboratory retriever, wasn’t the only star in the show. A beagle named Sheriff showed his skills at sniffing out prohibited food items. He sniffed around a row of luggage and went wild licking at a suitcase that was scented with prohibited meat. The children squealed in delight as they watched Sheriff sit still near the bag and wait for K-9 Officer William Chesser to hand out his doggie treat.

“I think this is a great way to spend time with your kids and show them what their parents do,” said CBP Chief Patrick Dowling, field K-9 trainer.

The 16-year-old national program is held annually on the fourth Thursday in April. It is officially titled “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work.”

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