M&T Bank Center recently welcomed the Schenectady County Sheriff’s K9 Unit for a day of specialized training at our facility.
Training in large public spaces is an important part of preparing K9 teams for the situations they may encounter in the field. The Schenectady County Sheriff’s K9 Unit is a highly trained, specialized team that serves the cities, villages, and towns of Schenectady County, while also assisting agencies throughout the region when needed. These K9 deputies work alongside fellow deputies and local law enforcement to help keep neighborhoods, community events, and residents safe.
Before they ever begin working in the field, each K9 team completes approximately six months of intensive training together. That training doesn’t stop once they’re deployed. Deputies and their canine partners participate in ongoing training throughout their careers to strengthen existing skills, learn new techniques, and remain prepared for the wide range of situations they may encounter.
The Schenectady County Sheriff’s K9 Unit assists with a variety of critical public safety responsibilities, including:
- Finding missing persons
- Locating hidden explosives and firearms
- Searching for evidence
- Conducting patrols and tracking suspects
- Detecting hidden narcotics
The K9 teams remain on call and ready to respond whenever they’re needed. Watching these teams train at M&T Bank Center was an incredible reminder of the dedication, discipline, and teamwork required to perform this important work. Every exercise demonstrated the trust between each deputy and their K9 partner, as well as the countless hours of preparation that go into keeping their skills sharp.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office and the K9 Unit for allowing us to play a small role in their ongoing training. We’re honored to support the dedicated professionals and remarkable K9 partners who work every day to help keep our communities safe!