Citizens Police Academy | Community Oriented Policing | D.A.R.E. | Explorers | K-9 Patrol | Neighborhood Watch Program
Chief R.G. Starrett began the K-9 patrol program at the Austell Police Department in 1996. Wayne Hilliard, owner of Kellee Kars, provided the funds for the purchase of K-9 Bondi, what was purchased from a trainer in Texas. Bondi's first handler was Officer John Poulk who is currently employed by the Department as a Patrol Sergeant. Bondi's current handler is Sergeant Robert Sfreddo. Bondi has been responsible for numerous narcotic arrests, the largest including 60 pounds of marijuana. On many occasions Bondi has been requested by other agencies. He has been responsible for locating missing persons, and solving a homicide case in North Georgia. Bondi has been trained for the recovery of narcotics, lost or wanted persons, and human remains. Bondi is currently in service, but is nearing the age of retirement.
The second K-9 added to the Department was K-9 Roy, who was given to Chief Starrett by Captain Robbie Bishop of the Villa Rica Police Department in 1998. Roy was trained in Florida, and had been retired from from a large agency, after breaking his leg while apprehending a suspect. Although older than many working K-9s, Roy, having Chief Starrett as his handler, was responsible for many narcotic arrests, the largest involving the recovery of 400 pounds of marijuana. Roy was a full service K-9. On many occasions, Roy was utilized for the apprehension of suspects, providing a means to arrest persons, where at times, deadly or other uses of force would have been justified. On one occasion, during the execution of a search warrant on a cocaine dealer, the suspect reached for a handgun. Roy quickly contained the suspect, protecting Chief Starrett and other Officers. This suspect now has a definite respect for Police K-9s. Roy continued to serve the City of Austell with utmost devotion until he was diagnosed and subsequently succumbed to cancer. His final tour of duty was May 28, 1999.
When news reached the community about the death of Roy, something very touching occurred. The Austell Police Department at that time did not have the funding available to replace Roy. Within three weeks, concerned individuals, business owners, kennel clubs, and other organizations donated money, without any solicitation, for the purchase of more K-9s for the Department. Mayor Joe Jerkins and the City Council gave their approval for the purchase of two more K-9s.
K-9 Benno was imported from Holland, and received further training from a facility in South Carolina. He is not the partner of Chief Starrett. Benno is a large Dutch Shepherd, and has been responsible for numerous narcotics arrests and criminal apprehensions, the most famous involving a sexual predator. A local female was kidnapped at knifepoint while walking at a local park. She was taken into a wooded area, where she actually fought with the man who had kidnapped her. The man fell into a large creek and the victim was able to escape with minor injuries. Chief Starrett and Benno were called to the scene. Benno began tracking the suspect through creeks and a large wooded area. After several hours, and ending up in an open field, the search ended. The next morning, fresh and ready to track, Chief Starrett and Benno began tracking where they had stopped the night before. After over an hour of tracking through woods, streets, and neighborhoods, Benno took Chief Starrett to the front porch of a house. Benno attempted to tear down the front door. Inside, Chief Starrett located the perpetrator, which looked identical to a drawing of the suspect the night before by a GBI artist. Chief Starrett located the wet clothing worn by the suspect, the knife he had used on the victim, and other evidence. A conviction was later received, and Benno received widespread recognition. Benno is currently in service and is handled by Chief Starrett.
The other K-9 purchased was K-9 Fanto. Fanto was a German Shepherd, trained by Captain Robbie Bishop. Fanto's handler was originally Officer Steve Duda. he was reassigned to Officer O.J. Pearson after Officer Duda left the Department. Fanto was a loyal officer, responsible for many apprehensions. He has since been retired due to physical problems.
K-9 Corsa has replaced Fanto and her handler is Sergeant O.J. Pearson. Corsa was imported from Holland. She is a Dutch Shepherd and was purchased by businesses in the City of Austell. Corsa was trained by Chief Starrett, and is a full service Patrol K-9. Corsa is a very energetic Officers, with the protection of her handler coming first. She has been responsible for many apprehensions, through swamps, wooded areas, and on highways. During a recent confrontation with a suspect, one Officer became injured and Sergeant Pearson began struggling with the suspect. Requiring assistance, he released Corsa from the Patrol vehicle utilizing a remote release. Corsa immediately exited the vehicle and engaged with the suspect assisting Sergeant Pearson. The suspect began choking Corsa, but due to her training she was able to escape the chokehold and take the suspect down to the ground. The suspect was taken into custody without major injuries. He faces numerous felony charges, including assault on a Police K-9. Corsa remains in service at this time.
Dr. Gary Bullard of Bullard Animal Hospital volunteers his services for the treatment and maintenance of Austell's K-9s. He has provided this service since the inception of a K-9 Patrol Unit in Austell, without cost to the City. He is to be commended for the services he provided and his dedication to the Austell Police Department.
Our K-9s have definitely paid
for themselves by the services they have provided. The Austell Police
Department K-o Unit train weekly. Handlers and the K-9 partners have
received certifications from local trainers and nationally recognized
organizations. The K-9s live with their handlers and have become a
part of each handlers family. Demonstrations from this unit are
provided a various events held including school functions.
Organizations making a request for a demonstration, or service, may contact
Chief Starrett at the Austell Police Department.