The Strafford County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit provides a search and rescue service for Strafford County with the use of their bloodhounds. The canine unit utilizes highly trained dogs to find lost or runaway children and lost or missing elderly persons. In addition, the Canine Unit provides assistance to local Law Enforcement Agencies in criminal matters and the apprehension of suspects. Educational demonstrations at local schools and community events are also an important part of the unit’s responsibilities.
Strafford County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit is shown at the New Hampshire Police K-9 Academy at Pease Trade Port. Shown left to right is Deputy Shawn Bernier and K-9 “Louie” and Deputy John Usher and bloodhound “Maggie”.
Deputy Bernier is also the Chief of Police for the New Durham Police Department and Deputy Usher is a Dover Police Officer assigned to his department’s Mounted
Unit.
Deputy Sheriff John Usher and his working partner, bloodhound
"Maggie", pose in front of the New Hampshire Police K-9 Academy where
"Deputy Maggie" routinely trains each week on her skills to track under a wide variety of weather conditions, both in urban and rural settings.
"Maggie", knee and ears deep in fresh snow, follow a track
during training at the New Hampshire Police K-9 Academy. Deputy Usher is
shown behind holding lead to her harness.
The newest addition to the Sheriff’s Office, "Mollie"
Mollie is 6 months old and was born in Tennessee,
her weight is 55 lbs and
she is tan and black.
Mollie is very social and loves to be around people. When Mollie greets someone she knows, she is very vocal (Bloodhound Bark).
Pictures shown with Mollie's handler, Deputy John Usher.