Two K9s added to Madera County Sheriff’s Office

Two K9s have been added to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office with the help of donations from the community, said Bill Ward, commander with the Sheriff’s Office.

Nacho and Gastone, both Belgian Malinois, were imported from France and completed a six week training and certification with their handlers Deputy Logan Majeksi and Deputy Eric Jackson.

The training covered searches, obedience, suspect apprehension, handler protection and tracking missions, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The K9s and their training and equipment were purchased with donations from the community, and the Sheriff’s Office said there are plans to purchase two more in order to cover each patrol shift.

This story was originally published August 30, 2016 at 9:37 PM with the headline "Two K9s added to Madera County Sheriff’s Office."