A Belgian Malinois named Ian has joined the K-9 Unit at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Ted Jackson deputized the new K-9 in an informal gathering Wednesday, according to a press release. Jackson recited the oath of office to Ian and his handler, Deputy Cody Slay.

The 2-year-old dog was born in the Czech Republic and understands commands in Czech, the statement said. He has been trained to track, apprehend suspects and detect explosive materials.

Deputy Cody Slay with K-9 Ian.
icon to expand image

Slay and Ian will patrol Fulton County and perform regular sweeps at facilities in Atlanta, such as the Fulton County Jail and the Justice Center Complex.

Slay became certified as a K-9 handler after working with Ian for 13 weeks at the Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Officer’s Training Center in Tuscaloosa. Ian will live with his handler, as is standard.

The FCSO K-9 Unit includes two other Belgian Malinoises — Kojak and Diesel — and a black Labrador Retriever named Duke.

Like Intown Atlanta News Now on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Video: A police K-9 helps capture a suspect

A police K-9 helped make the capture.

About the Author

Keep Reading

ajc.com

Credit: Atlanta Police Department

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com