Photos: Gwinnett County DA office awards two K-9 dogs for exemplary service

Georgia News

Photos: Gwinnett County DA office awards two K-9 dogs for exemplary service

K-9s Sika and Sanford were honored for their gentle approach and special skills as police dogs.

K-9 Sika, of the Gwinnett County Police Department, is one of two Gwinnett K-9 officers to receive awards during the Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony at the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Lawrenceville. The event is hosted by Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. (Jason Getz / AJC)

When a Gwinnett County child with autism went missing in April, tracking dog Sika sprang into action. The 3-year-old Hanoverian hound quickly found the child in a roadside ditch and was rewarded with a pack of tuna. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Sergeant Brandon Townley, of the Gwinnett County Police Department, receives an award from Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson during the Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony at the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Lawrenceville. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Sgt. Brandon Townley has worked with police dogs since 2013. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Sanford is one of two Gwinnett K-9 officers to receive awards during the Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony at the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Lawrenceville. The event is hosted by Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. (Jason Getz / AJC)

K-9 Sanford greets Sugar Hill court clerk Candi Peterman before Sanford and another Gwinnett K-9 officer received awards during the Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony at the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Lawrenceville. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Sanford is a therapy dog for the Sugar Hill Marshal’s Office. The lab and his handler, Michael Parker, work with local schools and students dealing with mental health challenges. (Jason Getz / AJC)

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Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

K-9 Sika, of the Gwinnett County Police Department, is one of two Gwinnett K-9 officers to receive awards during the Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony at the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Lawrenceville. The event is hosted by Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. (Jason Getz / AJC)

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