K9 Abu steps into explosives detection role after Roxy’s retirement

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County Sheriff’s Office K9 Roxy reported for duty for the last time on August 31. Now, a new explosives ordnance detection (EOD) K9 is stepping into the job Roxy held for over eight years.

K9 Abu, a shepherd-Malinois mix from Hungary who turns 2 on Sept. 30, is undergoing training and is certified through the ATF’s National Odor Recognition Testing program.

NORT, a nationally recognized, standardized method to evaluate a K9 team’s ability to detect selected explosives, is available to federal government, law enforcement, fire service, intelligence agency, and military personnel. There is no cost for participating handlers or their agencies.

K9 Abu joins experienced EOD handler Lt. Eugene Kemp through the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing partnership with Georgia Emergency Management Agency / Homeland Security that started in 2013.

To be in the GEMA / Homeland Security K9 program, the K9s must pass the GEMA K9 test with a minimum score of 90% every year. The test includes searching an open area, vehicles, a building, and luggage. The test takes two days to complete.

The K9s are trained weekly.

In addition to $13,800 for K9 Abu and $3,000 for annual K9 maintenance (food, K9 supplies, vet care), the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office received $80,000 to purchase and equip a 2026 Ford Expedition for EOD K9 use. Through the program, the county purchases a new vehicle about every five years.

The protective vest purchased for K9 Roxy by community partners within the past year will continue to be used. K9 Abu will be protected by that vest as he conducts his duties.

Both K9 Roxy and her predecessor, K9 Tito, were deployed across Georgia to assist other agencies at the city, state, and federal levels when a K9 was needed.

They have worked at major events like the Super Bowl, the FIFA World Cup, college football playoffs, SEC games, Falcons football games, the Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta United soccer games, concerts, high-profile trials, U.S. President and Vice President visits, and events involving Georgia’s governor.

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