K-9 Unit

Holly Springs Police Services has two K-9 teams, each with a certified police dog and an officer who cares for the dog full-time. Duties include tracking lost persons, detecting illegal drugs, searching buildings and apprehending suspects in crimes.

Our K-9 Teams

Officer Chris Poston & Diesel

Chris Poston is a patrol officer who has been with the Holly Springs Public Safety Department since December 2000. He worked for the Wake County Sheriff's Department before coming to Holly Springs.

For several years, Poston teamed with a Czech shepherd named Ranger, who lives with Poston in retirement.

Diesel is also a German shepherd breed who was born in the Czech Republic. Diesel was about 16 months old when he completed
training and began work in January 2006.

Officer Keith Denton & Leza

Keith Denton is a patrol officer who has been with the Holly Springs Public Safety Department since July 1999.

Leza is a German shepherd who was donated to the Town. She had not done K-9 work previously.

See more photos of Diesel and Leza.

How K-9 Teams Work

Police dogs form a strong bond with their handler by training, working and living with the officer. Diesel and Leza respond to their handler's commands, which typically are given in Dutch. Poston and Denton reward their K-9 teammates by tossing a toy such as a rubber ball.

With their keen sense of smell, properly trained dogs such as Leza and Diesel are an important asset to police. They help search for lost persons or criminal suspects by tracking the freshest human scent. Leza and Diesel also help Denton and Poston determine whether there is reason to search a vehicle for illegal drugs.

Training

Holly Springs' police dogs are certified by the United States Police Canine Association, the largest and oldest active organization of its kind. They receive approximately 15 weeks of training alongside the officer who will be their only handler.

After graduating K-9 academy together and starting work, the dog and handler receive approximately 20 hours of in-service training monthly.

The department has a K9 agility course on land owned by EMC ² and built with the help of donations from businesses. Officers use the course to assist with U.S.P.C.A. field trials certification. Read more about the agility course or see a slideshow.

Contact

For more information about the K-9 program or to request a demonstration with your school or civic group, contact:

Officer Chris Poston or Officer Keith Denton
Holly Springs Public Safety Department
(919) 552-7110

Home page

Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us