FDLE kicks off “Dog Days of Summer” campaign
Meet Gatsby, a yellow Labrador retriever. Gatsby is assigned to Officer William Boyer with the Capitol Police.
- FDLE Photo Submitted
▪Meet Gatsby, (pictured top) a yellow Labrador retriever. Gatsby is assigned to Officer William Boyer with the Capitol Police. Gatsby searches vehicles and mail trucks entering underneath the Capitol. He also searches exteriors and interiors in the state offices surrounding the Capitol. The K-9 team supports
surrounding law enforcement agencies in need of an explosive detection K-9. Gatsby has assisted the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, FSU Police Department, and FAMU Police Department.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) kicks off its “Dog Days of Summer” social media campaign this week and will run the promotion through Aug. 11.
The agency’s Dog Days of Summer campaign will celebrate the K-9 members of the agency and their handlers.
FDLE has K-9 units across the state, primarily working in the electronic and explosives detection areas.
The expression, “Dog Days of Summer” dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans and references the stars, particularly Sirius, also called Alpha Canis Majoris or the Dog Star. Ancient Romans believed Sirius contributed to the sun’s heat and thus referred to this extremely hot period as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days.”
During the campaign, FDLE will introduce its K-9 teams of dogs and handlers to social media followers.
Meet Laya, a golden retriever born in Colombia. Laya is assigned to handler Officer Travis Tharp. - FDLE Photo Submitted
Meet Laya, above, a golden retriever born in Colombia. Laya is assigned to the Capitol Police in Tallahassee. Laya is imprinted on a variety of military grade and homemade explosives. Laya is assigned to handler Officer Travis Tharp. They focus on detection of explosive materials, the recovery of firearms and ammunition and the recovery of evidence related to post blast incidents. Capitol Police’s K-9 units also assist with the Protective Operations Section of FDLE. Laya enjoys sunbathing, rolling in the grass, and a good game of fetch with her frisbee.
Above: Rocket is assigned to FDLE’s Tallahassee Regional Operations Center. Rocket is assigned to Special Agent Aida Limongi and the Cyber Crimes Squad. - FDLE Photo Submitted
Meet Rocket, above, who joined FDLE in November 2021 after a career change from a service dog to an electronic detection K-9. He was donated by Operation Underground Railroad and was trained by Jordan Detection K-9 in Indiana. Rocket is assigned to FDLE’s Tallahassee Regional Operations Center and assists with search warrants, victim interviews and demonstrations. Rocket is assigned to Special Agent Aida Limongi and the Cyber Crimes Squad but is able to assist with searches for any squad or law enforcement partners.
Follow the Dog Days of Summer on social media at @fdlepio on Twitter or on Facebook at FDLEpage.
For Further Information Contact: FDLE Office of Public Information (850) 410-7001.
