Care for an escort?

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Williams, 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and his dog, King, escort two simulated suspects, Staff Sgts. Melinda Miller and Robert Fowler, both of the 21st SFS, back to a vehicle June 19. The exercise was a part of the section’s first internal “Top Dog” competition to get military Working Dog handlers and dogs ready for several competitions in the future. (Air Force Photo/Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zirkle)

Keeping watch

Staff Sgt. Billy Burgan, 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, performs a search of a simulated suspect with his dog, Endy, as an overwatch on a second simulated suspect June 19. The exercise was a part of the section’s first internal “Top Dog” competition to get military Working Dog handlers and dogs ready for several competitions in the future. (Air Force Photo/Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zirkle)

Keeping an eye on the suspect

Staff Sgt. Billy Burgan, 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and his dog, Endy, escort two simulated suspects, Staff Sgts. Melinda Miller and Robert Fowler, both of the 21st SFS, back to a vehicle June 19. The exercise was a part of the section’s first internal “Top Dog” competition to get military Working Dog handlers and dogs ready for several competitions in the future. (Air Force Photo/Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zirkle)

His bite is definitely worse

Staff Sgt. Billy Burgan, 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, is briefing two simulated suspects that if they make any aggressive actions towards him, his dog, Endy, will bite without command before approaching them to search. The exercise was a part of the section’s first internal “Top Dog” competition to get military Working Dog handlers and dogs ready for several competitions in the future. (Air Force Photo/Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zirkle)

SFS canines compete for ‘best of the best’ title

Published June 26, 2008
By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zirkle
21st Security Forces Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Each year, military working dog handlers perform dozens of demonstrations to show the capabilities of their highly-trained canines. Demos are great for public relations, but competitions are where the handlers and their canine partners earn bragging rights.

During the week of June 19, the 21st Security Forces Squadron's Military Working Dog section held its first internal MWD competition to hone their skills before they take their show on the road against other teams. 21st SFS MWD teams have a long history of bringing home the trophies and a reputation for continually capturing "Top Dog" honors. Competitions normally field entries from all surrounding military installations as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Competitions can be as small as a dozen teams or as large as 50.

Seven teams from the 21st SFS kennels competed against each other during June's internal competition. Each team competed in six different areas that stressed training and teamwork. The different areas included obedience and agility, which test the canine's response to commands. Also, the teams competed in tactical obedience to show performance dynamics. Other areas included area search, building search, detection for explosives and chemicals, and handler protection, which ensures the canines take care of their partners. Listed are the results of the competition.

The teams will now go on to compete at the Air Force Academy in August.

Results are:

Obedience/Agility
1st place Staff Sgt. Billy Burgan and Endy
2nd place Staff Sgt. Jonathan Williams and King

Tactical Obedience
1st place Sergeant Burgan and Endy
2nd place Sergeant Williams and King

Area Search
1st place Sergeant Williams and King
2nd place Sergeant Burgan and Endy

Detection
1st place Sergeant Williams and King
2nd place Sergeant Burgan and Endy

Building Search
1st place Senior Airman Jesse Herwick and Chaky
2nd place Staff Sgt. Adam Fike and Paki

Handler Protection
1st place Sergeant Burgan and Endy
2nd place Airman Herwick and Chaky

Sergeant Burgan received the 1st place overall "Top Dog" award.