April 15th, 2026 Local News
Ste. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - All five St. Francois County K-9s have officially completed their annual certification following a demanding week of advanced training.
The K-9s assigned to the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department have successfully passed their yearly certification through the American Mantrailing, Police & Working Dog Association (AMPWDA), confirming they are fully qualified as working police dogs.
The certification process is known for being highly rigorous. Each K-9 and handler team must complete a week-long intensive training course designed to evaluate critical law enforcement skills, including tracking, obedience, control, and scenario-based performance.
Officials say the training is essential to ensure each K-9 remains reliable and effective in real-world situations where precision and safety are critical.
The department’s full K-9 unit passing certification reflects ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in specialized law enforcement operations and ensuring the safety of both deputies and the public they serve.