Loudon High School was filled with a multitude of police officers from across the state Thursday through Saturday as they took part in the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 8 Patrol Dog Trial and Competition.

Numerous types of shepherd dogs were present during the three-day event, including primarily German Shepherds.  Obedience and agility were the themes of the day on Thursday, with evidence recovery and suspect search competitions happening Friday.  Saturday was the big day, with criminal apprehension - the perfect event for attack dogs - highlighting the morning.

Among the dogs competing, many were young and energetic but one older competitor stood out. While the younger dogs were waiting their turn to compete they were pulling at their leads anxious to get started. In sharp contrast was Deuce, a nine-year-old shepherd who was waiting patiently with his partner Deputy Mile Baird of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department. Baird described his partner as a "nine-year-old, old man" who continues to compete and do competitions despite painful arthritis. "But he's still my partner. He can still find dope and bad guys. That's want we get paid for," Braid said with pride evident in his voice. 

Also competing was the only female team in the group - Misha and her partner officer Melissa Malowe  also from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department.

According to Loudon County Deputy Chris Jenkins, there were 18 dogs at the competition, representing law enforcement agencies in Loudon, Roane and Sullivan counties and in the cities of Clinton and Kingsport.  There was also a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) dog.

This is the first time this competition has been held at Loudon High School, according to Jenkins.  "It varies back and forth," Jenkins said, adding that because of the narcotics competition the need for more room arose.  "We have more room if we do it at a school.  That way we have rooms and cars (for hides)," he explained.

In order to excel, Jenkins added, the dogs necessitate a great deal of training.  The deputy explained that training days occur every Tuesday and those tend to be 10-hour days.  Each officer also trains his dog at home and on Saturdays year-round.  "It's basically like taking care of another kid," Jenkins explained.

He said the time and effort is very worthwhile.  "We give that time to have this county protected with the best dogs we can find," he said.

This competition serves as a type of proving ground for those highly capable dogs.