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I began my career in law enforcement in 1992. I started out as an intern for the SC Probation Pardon and Parole Services in Greenville, SC. In 1993 I became a detention officer for the Greenville County Detention Center. I became a Certified Police Officer in 1997 and have worked with the Simpsonville Police Department since December 1998. In August of 2002 I began my duties as the K-9 officer for the department. I became a certified K-9 handler in December of 2002. The certification was received through The National Narcotic Detector Association, Inc. In May of 2004, Maggie and I received a dual certification through the National Law Enforcement Canine Organization in tracking and narcotic detection. Maggie was born in Florida on November 11, 2000. She was selected for training as a Police Service Dog and began training at the beginning of 2002 with Charles Kirchner of Canine Consultants. Maggie went through several stages of training before she was ready to work. This training took about three months. She is now trained in Narcotics Detection and Tracking. Maggie and I trained together for two weeks before we were ready to work. Maggie and I now serve as part of the Community Support Services division. I look at our job as being two fold. First, by utilizing Maggie’s abilities to detect drugs and track suspects we are able to serve the Uniform Patrol division, which is the backbone of the Police Department. Second, we serve as a point of contact between the community and the Police Department. We travel throughout the city in a very distinctive two door Chevy Blazer with the words K-9 Unit all over it. If you are involved with a group that would like a demonstration by the K-9 Unit stop by the Police Department or contact us via telephone or email. Contact Community Support Officers At: 864-967-9536 |
My
name is Brent Rushing and I am the K-9 officer for the Simpsonville Police
Department. My partner’s name is Maggie. She is a chocolate Labrador
Retriever.