This week, we are so excited to show off this team of best friends, who patrol the Air Force base together, train together, and eat bacon together. Not everyone gets to work side-by-side with their closest friend, but USAF Security Forces Officer Connor is one of the lucky ones. Meet Connor's awesome partner, K9 Jack!
Tell us a little bit about Jack. How long have you two been working together?
Jack is a 6 year old German Shepherd and he is a dual certified military working dog, meaning he can detect a substance and do suspect apprehension. We've been partnered up for just over a year now.
Describe a little about the day in the life of your guys' job.
A normal day for us would involve us just patrolling our base and doing normal law enforcement operations including traffic stops, searching buildings and vehicles, and assisting other patrolman with arrests.
What is the most exciting and/or your favorite part of this job?
The best part of the job is definitely being partnered up with him everyday. They say emotions run down leash, so if I'm having a bad day, he cheers me up. But it's hard to have a bad day when you're working with such amazing animals.
Also when it comes to military K9s, if they are bomb dogs, we support the US Secret Service. So we are out there protecting the president, Vice President and any other dignitaries that require secret service protection. And that's one of the most awesome things that we can do.
Why are K9s so beneficial to your line of work?
K9s are so beneficial in law enforcement, whether military or civilian, due to their capabilities. They are a great physiological deterrent. Whenever K-9 units show up on scene, the bad guy thinks about their actions because they realize they could end up getting bit if the mess up.
Also, if they are a bomb dog, they save lives and that's the most important aspect of them. When it comes to drugs, they detect and we are able to get that off the streets.
What qualities make Jack such a great PK9?
Jack is a special dog in my opinion, he's a very friendly dog when it comes to other people, but will give his life in defense of mine.
What do you love most about Jack?
The thing I love most about him is his loyalty towards me. He will always be there for me and I'll always be there for him.
You two look like best buds! What do you guys like to do on your down time?
Unfortunately, as a military working dog team, we can't bring our pups home with us. But, I make it a point to spend as much down time with him as I possibly can. So i usually take him out and just let him be a "normal" dog. Play fetch, take him on walks, give him some bacon (which he loves) and just ultimately do whatever I can to make his life as good as it possibly can be.
Thank you so much SrA Connor Patron for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. We love getting to know all of the incredible working dogs out there, and their handlers. We truly appreciate you two and the entire USAF Security Forces for your tough work and dedication to keeping America safe. Thank you for your service!
Follow Connor and his fur friend on Instagram @connorpatron to see what they're up to!
This month we are honoring all National K9 Veterans for our Working Dog Wednesday stories. We're excited to show off next week's special K9.