UK Police Sergeant, Dog Helped Secure Super Bowl

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2010) − The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) called upon highly trained individuals and their K-9 companions to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV last month. These individuals included ATF K-9 explosives detection teams from around the country. Among the team, was ATF canine handler and University of Kentucky Police Department Sgt. Robbie Turner, along with his partner, "Becka," a black Labrador retriever and ATF K-9.

"The K-9 teams here in Miami for the Super Bowl are the best of the best," said Hugo Barrera, special agent in charge of the ATF, Miami Field Division. "These handlers and their K-9 partners have been training and preparing all year for this event." 

Turner and ATF K-9 Becka have been partners for four years. They are trained to locate the presence of explosives, firearms and ammunition. They regularly work together during high profile security events such as the Ryder Cup, the Kentucky Derby, the U.S. Open and other high-profile criminal investigations. One such high-profile investigation was several years ago, when K-9 Becka recovered a shot wad, or a shotgun shell’s plastic covering, which  was fired at a Kentucky sheriff. That helped in an arrest in the case for the State Police who were the lead investigating agency at the time.

"Becka and I have traveled to numerous sporting events throughout the United States to help with security as part of our contract with the ATF," Turner said, "When Becka and I travel, if it’s too long, we will fly. Becka is never placed in the cargo area below with other dogs due to ATF policy. She sits next to me if there is a vacant seat or under my legs if it’s crowded. She travels well and usually sleeps the whole time during flights or while in a vehicle."

ATF’s  Labrador retriever program began in 1986. Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions for Independence regularly supply the Labrador retrievers to the ATF. These specialty canines and their handlers attend a 10-week training program conducted at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Va. The canines are trained to detect a variety of explosive compounds and materials that could be used in an explosive device, firearms and ammunition. Labradors can detect more than 16,000 explosive odors, anything from pounds of explosives to as little as a trace-amount of gun powder on a door knob can be detected. The ATF Canines are used in the more traditional protective search and sweep operations, especially high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, Democratic and Republican National Conventions, Presidential Inauguration and the World Series.

Becka is Turner's partner and part of the family. "K-9 Becka goes to work as well as home with me and is never kenneled or put in a crate," Turner said. "Becka loves kids and other dogs. My wife and I currently have another dog at home which is a Great Dane, “Derby,” and they both are attached to each other whenever Becka is not working."

For more information on Sgt. Turner and Becka, contact the UKPD at 859-257-5770 or their Web site www.uky.edu/Police.