Dec. 23, 2013 Press Release New K-9 Officer Gobi

DECEMBER 23, 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

The Parker County Sheriff’s Office recently swore in the newest deputy as a member of the patrol ranks.

Gobi, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was added to the Sheriff’s drug interdiction unit this week.

Gobi’s handler, Deputy Nathan Hagin, has six years of law enforcement experience and was hired by Sheriff’s Office 10 months ago. Hagin has worked previously with Metroplex law enforcement agencies.

Hagin and Gobi recently returned from a three-week training course at the Global Training Academy in Somerset, Texas, for drug identification and searches. Hagin said the training was highly beneficial and will prove to be an asset to the patrol division, Special Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigations Division. The training consisted of vehicle searches, open areas and building searches among others.

Gobi and Hagin are currently training for certifications in human tracking, including human searches in cases stemming from abductions, fleeing suspect searches and Alzheimer’s missing person cases.

Hagin said he and Gobi have spent the last month getting acquainted and training together as partners.

“I am excited about working with Gobi,” Hagin said. “He is extremely eager to work. He has a high drive and loves to perform. During our training, he ran circles around most of the seasoned drug canines. I am looking forward to beginning our new assignment together.”

Hagin and Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler would like to express their gratitude to Jack Knox for donating funds to acquire Gobi. Knox is a local rancher and fourth generation Parker

County resident.

Knox said he offered the funds for training and to purchase Gobi when he became aware of the need and vacancy in the division.

“I am glad to be involved with the new program,” Knox said. “I immediately told Sheriff Fowler I would be happy to assist the department. I am looking forward to meeting with Deputy Gobi and Deputy Hagin.”

“Parker County is just a wonderful community, Knox added. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I enjoy being a part of such a valued program.”

Sheriff Fowler said Deputy Gobi was purchased from Global, which acquires law enforcement dogs from Holland.

“Gobi and Nathan are a favorable team,” Fowler said. “We are pleased for their addition. Both deputies will be instrumental in the drug interdiction division.”

Gobi will reside with Hagin as a member of the household.