HCSO welcomes K9 Officer Axe

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The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome a new officer: Axe, a 13-month old Belgian Malinois K9. 

Axe is currently in a 3-5 week training program in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with his human handler, HCSO’s Deputy Drew Fisher. While there, Axe and Deputy Fisher will go through a rigorous certification process recognized by the court system and the USPCA (United States Police Canine Association). At the end of the class, Axe will be certified to perform narcotic searches, suspect searches, suspect apprehension, and tracking. 

“The USPCA certification is recognized as the highest caliber,” Deputy Fisher pointed out.

Axe was granted to HCSO through a rebate program, and although K9 officers are usually expensive, the Sheriff’s Office will receive $7,500 towards his purchase and training from USPCA. Axe was previously housed with K9 trainer Bubba Howell, who is renowned nationwide for his experience with police K9s and service animals. 

Fisher’s former K9 partner, Maly, is retiring from active duty due to health reasons and is “living the retired life” as a companion animal with Fisher and his family. Fisher says he greatly enjoys working with K9 officers and looks forward to working with Axe. 

“I was able to join the unit after about a year on the department, and I’ve loved every minute,” Fisher said.

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