Man’s Best Friend Joins Bay Pines VA’s Police Service
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System’s (BPVAHCS) Police Service has a new ally. Golden in color and standing at approximately two feet tall, Flash is an 18-month-old Yellow Labrador Retriever trained in narcotics detection and tracking.
On Dec. 19, he and his handler, Cpl. Jeremy Jolley, were certified by the U.S. Police Canine Association, officially rendering Flash a member of the Bay Pines VA team.
“I’ve been working with police canines on and off since 2009. When this opportunity appeared, I applied for the position immediately,” said Jolley, a Marine Corps Veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Being a K-9 handler within the VA is so important to me because I know this will have a direct impact on our most vulnerable Veterans. For people who are participating in substance abuse treatment programs, just seeing Flash can provide a deterrence and help them focus on their recovery.”
Jolley continued, “I’ve conducted training with him where we’ll have five cars lined up and he’s dragging me down to the last car before we’re done searching the first one. With Flash, narcotics detection is more effective simply because of his innate ability to pick up on odors that we can’t.”
To put it in perspective, humans have approximately six million scent receptors. Depending on the breed, dogs can have anywhere between 100 and 300 million scent receptors. This olfactory ability allows Flash to excel in his role.
Prior to earning their certification, Flash and Jolley successfully completed a 240-hour K-9 handler course through Southern Coast K-9 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The course included classroom instruction as well as practical application in the field. Within the VA, it is uncommon for healthcare systems to have a canine in their police program. Bay Pines VA is one of 26 VA Medical Centers (VAMC) across the Nation and currently the only VAMC in VISN 8 to have implemented this program. This distinction means that Flash, who hails from Juarez, Mexico, will augment our ability to fulfill our mission.
“When a Veteran goes missing, time is crucial to ensuring their safety,” said Jesse Gabbert, Chief, VA Police Service, Bay Pines VA. “Because other VA Medical Centers within the VISN can request Flash’s support, he has the potential to assist Veterans across the state. His arrival will allow us to better serve those who served.”
Unlike military working dogs, Flash doesn’t return to a kennel at the end of his shift. Instead, he remains with Jolley, who is his sole handler, 24/7. This adds a unique element to the duo’s dynamic. Not only is their bond deepened because of how much time they spend together, but they also have an opportunity to train constantly and familiarize themselves with each other’s tells.
“It is a special bond because I know when he’s in work mode and when he’s not. The added advantage of Flash being with me all the time is that his skills will stay sharp,” Jolley said. “If I see an environment that he’s never been in before, I look at that as a chance to train. And when we get home, Flash knows he’s in a safe place. He gets to relax and just be a dog.”