K-9 who understands Czech joins Fulton County Sheriff’s Office

K-9 Ian, a Belgian Malinois.

K-9 Ian, a Belgian Malinois.

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.

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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.

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Video: A police K-9 helps capture a suspect