K-9 Stetson

• Date Hired: November 2025
• Age: 3

We asked Stetson's handler, Cpl. Gary Desilvey, to tell us more about Stetson, including how they saved him just in time.

Q. Stetson may be one of the Sheriff's Office's most popular members right now. How did he become part of the team?

A. In June of last year, we learned about a black Labrador in Tennessee that was in a kill shelter and only a few days away from being euthanized. He displayed several personality traits that made us believe he had the potential to be a great K-9.

Q. What sets him apart from other dogs?

A. He has an incredibly strong drive, and that's one of the main qualities we look for. Once he starts searching for something, he won't quit until he finds it. During testing in Tennessee, he proved to be very intelligent and showed an exceptional sense of smell. We then sent him to a trainer in Kentucky for several months, where he learned the skills needed to become part of the Sheriff's Office. This is the fourth K-9 I've handled, and he's the best one yet.

Q. What kind of training has he received?

A. Stetson was trained primarily in narcotics, and we added nicotine, marijuana and gun powder. 

Q. What is his primary role with the Sheriff's Office?

A. He works primarily in the schools and is assigned to Bedford Elementary, where he's based with me.

Q. How is he different from a more traditional police K-9?

A. For starters, he's much less intimidating than a German Shepherd or similar breed. He's also highly socialized, so it's perfectly fine for people to come up and pet him. At home, he has a kennel in the backyard, but he's also very much a part of the family and gets along well with our other dog.

Q. Does he have a special diet?

A. Not really. He eats only kibble and doesn't get people food. We never want him to become food-motivated, so we keep his diet consistent.

Q. What are his favorite hobbies?

A. He absolutely loves playing fetch. We play ball together about twice a day, and that's probably his favorite thing to do.