One County Sheriff’s Office police dog has a new partner, after his old one retired, making for a rare change-up of duties in the K-9 corps. On April 22, the Sheriff’s Office officially designated Deputy Joshua Peet the new handler of “DJ,” a Belgian malinois, who is trained in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension, the department announced. Dep. Peet is taking over for Dep. Steve Faeth who retired in January. DJ is one of six, highly-trained police dogs in the Sheriff’s Department ranks. When Sheriff Ian Parkinson took office in 2010, there was just one K-9 in the department. The present contingent of six is part of Parkinson’s efforts to improve the department’s capabilities, and the dogs have been busy. ‘Last year alone,’ said spokesman Tony Cipolla, ‘the K9’s were called out for service more than 1,800 times. This resulted in 169 suspect apprehensions, and the detection and recovery of more than 1,587 grams (3.5 pounds) of cocaine, more than 2,700 grams [5.9 pounds] of methamphetamine and 446 grams (almost one pound) of heroin.’ In the photo are the newest K-9 team, Dep. Peet and DJ. Submitted photo