First Responder Friday: Fountain Inn K-9 Officers

FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. (WSPA) – A dog’s nose is 10,000 more acute than a human’s, which makes them essential to police work.

The Fountain Inn Police Department recently had its two K9 officers, Porkchop and Deuce, honored for their abilities and work with their handlers.

Officer Clark Kunz and Deuce won first place in detecting narcotics at the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association’s (NNDDA) National Competition.

It was held in Warner Robbins, Georgia in late February.

Officer Jared Atwood and Chops finished in second place.

“They’re awesome,” Officer Atwood said. “Most of the time, they don’t know they’re actually doing a job. They’re having fun.”

Porkchop is a 9-year-old chocolate lab that has been in service since 2018. Deuce came to Fountain Inn Police in an interesting way.

“I brought him (Deuce) home when I brought my daughter home from the hospital,” Officer Kunz said. “My wife was not excited about bringing home a puppy when we brought home a newborn.”

“(Deuce) sat on the couch with her and you can’t help loving the puppy face. So, she instantly took to him.”

Kunz told us Deuce started training when he was six months old. “We started doing scent work and imprinting him on the different drug odors. By the time he turned one, he was certified, and we’ve been on the road ever since.”

K-9 officers are usually in service for six to nine years, which means Porkchop has just reached that range.

“I honestly think his body will give out before his mind does,” Atwood told 7NEWS. “He’ll want to keep doing what he loves, doing this job.”

“Every Wednesday – when we get our dog training – it’s his best day.”

When Chop comes home with Officer Atwood, we’re told he has to make time for another dog named Pearl.

“She waits for him right at the car door just to see him, to tell each other about their day.”

At the Kunz home, Deuce is a member of the family.

“I don’t like to tell people, but he sleeps in the bed,” Officer Kunz admitted. “He knows when to turn it on and turn it off when it comes to work.”

“He’s a ‘bum’ and likes to sleep in bed with us.”

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