Pictured is Searcy County Deputy Joey Baysinger and his new K-9 partner, Vader.

Searcy County introduces newest deputy

  Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell announced the Searcy County Sheriff's Office has a new deputy, K-9 Officer Vader. Cassell said Vader is a two year old male Belgian Malinois who recently completed his training with his partner, Searcy County Deputy Joey Baysinger.

  Cassell explained before beginning patrol with Baysinger, the pair completed a two week training course at the Von Klein Stein Working Dog (VKSWD) facility in Sherwood, Arkansas.

  According to Searcy County Chief Deputy Dewayne Pierce, VKSWD is a full-service police K-9 Kennel with over 30 years of experience. VKSWD is owned and operated by veterans, who specialize in police K-9s and have serviced departments all over the United States, from starting new K9 units to advancing current K-9 units. VKSWD is the only kennel in the State of Arkansas that provides first-hand experience in working patrol dogs.

  Pierce added, "All of their K-9s are imported from reputable kennels in Europe. K-9s are hand selected by the best in the business and tested for workability and temperament before starting the training process. VKSWD has the ability to customize a K9 to meet our needs. Vader will be an important asset in our fight against drugs in Searcy County. Trust me, the nose knows."

  Baysinger said on June 8, he and Vader completed the VKSWD basic handler course, which is designed for new K9 handlers. He stated the course covers case law, documentation, K9 health, scent detection, tracking and handler protection. This is commonly a two week course with 80 plus hours of instruction.

  Baysinger added since he and Vader are now certified as a team they are now patrolling together. "Vader is a very important part of our department and will help us in our fight against drugs. He has already proven he's up to the job. Last Saturday, Vader had his first positive alert on a vehicle."

  Baysinger said Vader is a very friendly dog, very calm and collected and loves children. "But, if you have narcotics on you, he will find them and whatever you do, don't run from him."

  Baysinger explained when Vader is not on duty, he is like any other normal dog and lives a normal dog's life playing and training. He said like with any partner situation, he and Vader have become very attached. Baysinger volunteered to partner with Vader. He said, "I want to help fight the drug problem in Searcy County and this is one way I can do it."

  Cassell added that he was very excited to have Vader has the newest member of the Searcy County law enforcement team. If you have any questions about Vader or the working dog training class, you are encouraged to call the Searcy County Detention Center at 870-448-2340.