Panama City Beach Police K9 Officer Biest retired from the department last week after six years of faithful service to the citizens of Panama City Beach.
The 11-year-old Belgian Malinois was a dual-purpose officer, trained as a patrol dog, specializing in both narcotics and apprehension.
“He was a very good tracking K9,” said handler Officer Kevin Watson. “I recall once he was able to track a suspect from Richard Jackson Boulevard to a dense wooded area west of Culver’s. The suspect was located without any incident.”
Biest has also seen his share of narcotics busts, including a memorable one during a traffic stop on the Hathaway Bridge. The K9 alerted to heroine, prescription drugs and other narcotics hidden inside a can of WD-40.
“He’s also been great with walking patrols during Spring break,” Officer Watson said.
A typical K9s service ends around the age of 10 years and the lifespan of Belgian Malinois is 10-14 years. “The work can be difficult for older dogs especially. They are jumping in and out of the vehicle all day and over fences and there is a lot of stress involved with their work,” he said.
The PCB City Council recently approved the purchase of two K9s, to replace Biest and another retiring K9. Watson is picking up his new partner this week and will undergo training at the Dothan Police Department in Dothan, Ala.
Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said K9s are a valued unit in the department. “K9s play an important role in our public safety operations and Biest has been a great officer. He was trained to do a job and he has done it very well,” said Talamantez.
Biest will be missed by his fellow officers and the community.
Communications Director Debbie Ingram can be reached at (850) 233-5100, Ext. 2261.
Original source can be found here.
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