FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. - This week, Fayette County is hosting one of the largest police dog training events in the Southeast, with officers and their K-9 partners from several states participating. The Mantracker K-9 training program, organized by the Coweta County Sheriff's Office, is taking place at the Fayette County Sheriff's Office Training Center.
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The week-long event includes teams from various departments in Alabama and Georgia, such as Tuscaloosa, Woodstock, Bainbridge, LaGrange, and Peachtree City. Originally a basic K-9 course, the program has evolved into a comprehensive public safety event addressing multiple aspects of police work, including traffic enforcement and support for children with autism.
During the training, handlers are challenged to maintain voice control over their dogs from long distances, even as an individual runs away from a vehicle. The exact number of K-9 teams participating this year has not been disclosed.
Sgt. Mark Storey from the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the local support contributing to the program's growth. "Fantastic over the years to see it grow and have the support, support from the sheriff, support locally from the community," Storey said.
The Mantracker program, which began in 1991, has provided training at no cost to participating agencies for 35 years. Initially focused on tracking, the program has now broadened to encompass a wide range of specialized police activities.
This information is based on coverage by FOX 5 reporter Doug Evans, who attended the training, and an interview with Sgt. Mark Storey.