By Suzie Ziegler
BUNNELL, Fla. — In just two years, K-9 Holmes has made quite a name for himself at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Holmes and his human handler, Sgt. Fred Gimbel, have recovered several missing persons in Flagler County since the K-9 joined the agency in April 2018, according to WNDB. His most recent achievement was helping to locate an endangered 13-year-old boy in less than an hour on June 27, the sheriff’s office said. The K-9 is also credited with sniffing out an 11-year-old who was hiding in the woods back in January. Both children were found safe.
Holmes and Gimbel were recently named K-9 Trailing Team of the Year by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, reported WNDB.
“This is a tremendous level of recognition for such a young Bloodhound Team,” Sheriff Rick Staly told WNDB. “Sergeant Gimbel and K-9 Holmes make a great team and Sgt. Gimbel has put in so much effort to train Holmes in search and rescue. I am glad that all of Sergeant Gimbel’s efforts are being recognized!”
Watch body-worn camera footage of Holmes finding the 13-year-old below:
Holmes’ puppy training was documented by the sheriff’s office on its Facebook, where viewers could watch his skills grow each week.
https://www.facebook.com/flaglercounty.sheriffsoffice/videos/2563921930298626/
Gimbel and Holmes will receive their award from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and FDLE Commissioner Richard Swearingen at the Florida Capitol on September 14, according to WNDB.