“Becoming a K-9 handler is a lifestyle.” – Deputy Tony Lorusso, Lead Instructor.
Before a handler and their four-legged partner become the agency’s latest social media sensation, the journey begins with a tryout process for both the handler and the dog. “When we’re selecting a dog, drive is the most important thing we’re looking for. Hunt drive and prey drive are essential in what we do, particularly when we’re talking about tracking in urban environments,” said Deputy Tony Lorusso, lead instructor and 19-year veteran of the unit. “We also need confidence. We can’t have them afraid of cars, when they’re being deployed in predominantly urban environments.” But, the search for a new handler is even more intense.
For deputies aspiring to be in the K-9 unit, beyond the standard oral board interview, they must perform well in a grueling tryout that is both physically and mentally taxing. K-9 tryouts consist of a physical abilities test that includes a 1.5 mile run, jumping over walls, treading water, and a short obedience and agility session with dogs currently assigned to the unit. The final “test” of tryouts, pairs prospective handlers with active dogs for a mile-long obstacle course through wooded and urban environments. This round, two of the six deputies were selected to begin their journey to become K-9 handlers - Deputy Kellen Zanandrie and Deputy Nick Hunter.
“You truly have to have a passion to be in the K-9 Unit because it is like a school you have never been to.” – Sergeant Mike Kilian, K-9 Unit Supervisor.
Joined by four other law enforcement officers from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas Park Police Department, and Clearwater Police Department, Zanandrie and Hunter, started K-9 School on Monday, January 10th, 2022. Sixteen weeks from now, six officers should be trained alongside their four-legged partners to track, apprehend, and search, but getting there starts with basic obedience training. “We start with ‘green’ dogs, meaning they have almost no training. Everyone assumes that dogs just do these things, but in reality, the shaping of animal behavior is one of the most mentally exhausting things anyone can be involved in,” said Deputy Lorusso.
Before jumping into any basic obedience training, expectations had to be set for the class. “I have a tagline,” said Deputy Lorusso. “If you’re going to mess up, mess up 100% - there is something to learn from a 100% mess up,” he added. With an emphasis on obedience and a general overview of the proper home care and maintenance for their new partners, the journey to becoming a K-9 handler is officially underway. As each week becomes progressively more difficult, mentally and physically, deputies Zanandrie and Hunter are another week closer to turning their dreams into reality.
“Knowing that with the help of other handlers I’ve gotten my partner to the point of proficiency as a working K-9 will be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.” – Deputy Kellen Zanandrie.
For the first time in Inside the Star history, we will be documenting the journey to become a K-9 team. Stay tuned to each new edition of Inside the Star to keep up with Deputy Zanandrie and Deputy Hunter’s progress.
