VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Police Department recently announced the addition of two new members to its law enforcement team. K-9s Rogue and Bandito, both Belgian Malinois, were carefully selected and acquired from the highly respected Kasseburg K9 Training Center in Alabama and joined VPD in August 2023.

This breed is noted for its intelligence, agility, and unwavering dedication, making it an ideal candidate for law enforcement work, the VPD said in a press release.

“Since their arrival, Rogue and Bandito have been working hard, undergoing a ten-week intensive training curriculum alongside their dedicated handlers, Officer [Joshua] Abercrombie and Officer [Jeffrey] Quinones,” the press release said. “The dedication and commitment shown by the handlers and their K-9 partners throughout this period were commendable. Officer Abercrombie is paired with Rogue, while Officer Quinones is the trusted partner of Bandito.”

After completing the rigorous training with their dedicated handlers, the K-9s are now on active patrol duty, the VPD said. Rogue and Bandito are dual-purpose K-9s, specially trained in narcotics detection and patrol duties. Their skills encompass tracking suspects, searching for evidence, and protecting officers and the community.

Rogue and Bandito recently graduated and received badges, signifying their official duty status within VPD.

Sgt. James Turner, team leader of the K-9 Unit, expressed his enthusiasm for Rogue and Bandito, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Rogue and Bandito to our law enforcement family. They have demonstrated incredible dedication and potential during their training, and we do not doubt that they will significantly contribute to our ongoing efforts in protecting and serving Valdosta.”

For more information, please contact Capt. Scottie Johns at sjohhs@valdostacity.com.