K9s are seen in many different settings. These dogs have been specially trained to assist police officers and other law enforcement agents in a variety of roles.

But this one-of-a-kind K9 is working to stop school shootings, one sniff at a time.

Meet Hondo — a person-borne detection K9.

On September 27, 2021, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) proudly announced the newest addition to their FSCO K9 Unit.

A detection dog is now actively working in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina Schools.

According to the sheriff’s office, K9 Hondo has been trained to detect firearms and ammunition. The 2-year-old chocolate lab was appointed in April of this year.

The sheriff’s office wrote:

“[Hondo] detects the presence of these (firearms and ammunition) odors, whether they are static or moving, and then trails the odors back to their source (e.g. in a locker, on a person, in a backpack).”

K9 Hondo is assigned to the School Resource Officer Section, along with his handler Deputy T.S. Justice, who has spent more than half of his career working in schools.

Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr. shared that,

“It is unique to have a K9 that is trained only to detect firearms and ammunition. But K9 Hondo is unique – he is an investment solely in the safety of our students. He is a progressive, alternative solution to the challenges we are facing.”

Do you know that there are ‘specialized police dogs’?

These are “apprehension and attack dogs, detection dogs, dual-purpose dogs, and search and rescue dogs (SAR).”

Apprehension and attack dogs are used to track down, apprehend, and occasionally subdue suspects, while detection dogs are trained in the detection of explosives or drugs. Others, detect firearms and explosives.

K9 Hondo falls into the last group.

According to those that know him, K9 Hondo is exceptionally friendly and enjoys ear scratches and the occasional treat. That is, when he’s not protecting students at school, of course!

The sheriff’s office mentioned that students who see K9 Hondo are encouraged to speak with Deputy Justice.

“While K9 Hondo can only be in one place at a time, we are deploying him strategically throughout our schools,” Sheriff Kimbrough added.

Many personnel are grateful for the good news and welcomed Hondo.

“Thank you K9 Hondo and Officer Justice for keeping our children safe! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”

Another individual left a comment saying,

“Great addition to the FCSO. I am also partial to chocolate labs. Great looking dog most importantly do a very needed job. Prayers for safety to both Hondo and deputy Justice.”

What a hardworking and dedicated canine!

This special K9 is genuinely concerned about the safety of the students and the entire school.

Watch the video below!

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Sources: WFMY News2, Facebook – Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Wikipedia – Police dog