PITTSBORO, Miss. (WTVA)- The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department has a new officer and his name is Achilles.
And, if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of one of his attacks, it will be a very hairy situation.
No one knows him better than his trainer, Calhoun County K-9 officer Kenneth White.
"He's gaining popularity and he's getting a reputation around the county too. In one incident, we had two suspects surrounded in a house. I was called by the sheriff to come and clear the house for them. Once they heard that we were coming in with the dog they hid in the attic. Of course, the whole time we're getting them out all they were worried about was don't let the dog bite them," White said laughing.
Achilles is a Belgian Malenois, a breed that has become the toast of law enforcement everywhere.
He only knows two things; find drugs and apprehend suspects.
"We raised money in the community. We were very fortunate to find this dog. He cost us about $9,000.00. And we were able to raise almost $2,400.00 over a four month period. And, we're just happy to have him here at the department," said Calhoun County Sheriff Greg Pollan.
Achilles and Deputy White are on patrol every day.
The dog even made an appearance recently at a school in Vardaman and he's great with children.
Achilles is two-years-old and has been on the job for six months.
He's good natured until told not to be.
That's what happened when they conducted a demonstration for WTVA with a well padded trustee wearing protective gear.
"I'm going to pat down the suspect," explained White. "The suspect is going to turn and flee and he's [Achilles] going to go after him."
Achilles attacked the trustee on command and then it was back to his cage at the jail.
The dog usually spends the night at Deputy White's home where there is a much larger pen.
Achilles was purchased from a dog training facility in Arkansas.
