New K9 Officer, Dexter, Joins Ranks In Suffolk County

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon welcomed a new member to the ranks: Toulon presented the Sheriff’s Office’s newest Deputy Sheriff K9, Dexter, with his official shield during a ceremony in Yaphank Thursday.

Dexter is a 2-year-old sable-colored German Shepherd who trained for six months with his handler, Deputy Sheriff Adam Henn, Toulon said.

He is certified as a dual-purpose police K9 in both narcotics detection and patrol. His responsibilities include tracking missing or wanted individuals, locating narcotics, searching and patrolling buildings, and assisting with traffic enforcement.

In his short time in service, Dexter has already been deployed more than 50 times, locating narcotics and evidence, and helping to track a suspect who fled from the scene of a motor vehicle accident and was later arrested after driving while intoxicated, Toulon said.

"We are proud to welcome Dexter as our newest K9. He has already assisted in numerous investigations, including tracking a suspect who fled from a crash, and he will continue to be an important part of keeping Suffolk County safe," Toulon said.