LAW ENFORCEMENT
TOP-NOTCH INSTRUCTOR
The K-9 handlers have their own training regimen. Officer
Michael Colton has 30 years of experience in police work,
beginning as a K-9 master deputy with the St. Lucie Sheriff’s
Department. He is an in-service trainer and was an adjunct
K-9 team instructor at Indian River State College. A regular
contributor to Police K-9 Magazine, he wrote and developed a
K-9 field training program and K-9 guidebook for patrol officers
and has trained in Brazil.
Known nationally and internationally as a certified evaluator
and trainer, Colton is recognized as an expert in training
law enforcement and protection dogs. Attesting to his level
of service, Sgt. Kyle Ingebritsen, president of the Police and
Fire Benevolent Association in Palatine, Ill., wrote on Colton’s
LinkedIn page:
“This training is truly a labor of love for Mike. His vast
array of knowledge when it comes to all aspects of police K-9
training is awesome. He is not a 9 to 5 trainer — we trained
with Mike from sunup to well past sundown each day —
we were lucky enough to have him train our canine teams.
Likewise, our teams certified shortly after this training and
absolutely walked through the certification process without
any hitches.”
Creating a zone of comfort using proper techniques bolsters
the dog’s socialization skills, which are necessary when
appearing in public or at schools. The police department
conducts K-9 goodwill demonstrations throughout the year
at a variety of locations.
“Agency training has enhanced so much that the dogs can
go into schools and children are able to pet them,” Sabol says.
“It shows the versatility of the dog’s ability and teaches the >>
Officers Zoran and Duncombe are members of the police department’s
narcotics team.
PORT ST. LUCIE POLICE DEPARTMENT
CANINES AND THEIR HANDLERS
K-9 Officer Blek..... German shepherd........................ Narcotics – Officer John Fazio
K-9 Officer Dany... Shepherd..................................... Narcotics – Officer Mike Colton
K-9 Officer Dingo.. Belgian Malinois/shepherd mix.... Narcotics – Officer Robbie Gibbins
K-9 Officer Nash... Bloodhound................................. Tracking – Officer Will Harris
K-9 Officer Oliver.. Belgian Malinois.......................... Explosive detection – Officer Will Harris
K-9 Officer Zoran.. Shepherd..................................... Narcotics – Officer Colin Duncombe
The new training center at the McCarty Ranch Preserve on Range Line Road is a perfect place for Zoran and Duncombe to practice searching a vehicle.
10 Port St. Lucie Magazine