St. Francois County K-9 Division Conducts Monthly Training With Farmington Units

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Division conducted its monthly training last week, with K-9 units from Farmington joining the training exercises.

The day began at 7 a.m. with tracking scenarios, article searches and free-air sniffs of vehicles for controlled substances. The afternoon session focused on additional real-world scenarios, including free-air sniffs in buildings for controlled substances, room-clearing exercises and suspect apprehension.

Training also included scenarios involving uniformed members making entry alongside K-9s, helping handlers and their dogs practice working together during potentially dangerous situations. The day concluded with suspect-apprehension exercises in a body of water, which took place at the Farmington Water Park.

K-9 handlers and their dogs are required to complete at least 16 hours of maintenance training each month to maintain certification.