K9 Abu Steps Into Explosives Detection Role Following Roxy’s Retirement

Abu, Habersham County Sheriff's Office's newest member (Habersham County)

There’s a new four-legged member of the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office preparing to carry on an important job.

K9 Abu, an explosives ordnance detection dog from Hungary, is now training alongside experienced EOD handler Lt. Eugene Kemp, stepping into the role held by K9 Roxy since 2018.

Roxy officially retired from active duty on August 31, closing out more than eight years of service with the Sheriff’s Office. Now Abu begins the process of becoming the agency’s newest explosives detection K9.

Abu is currently certified through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ National Odor Recognition Testing, or NORT.

The nationally standardized testing program evaluates the ability of K9 teams to detect selected explosive odors and is available to federal agencies, law enforcement, fire services, intelligence agencies and military personnel.

But Abu’s training isn’t finished.

Training for a Job That Goes Beyond Habersham County

Abu joins the Sheriff’s Office through its partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, a relationship that dates back to 2013.

K9 teams participating in the state program must undergo testing annually and achieve a score of at least 90%. The two-day evaluation includes searches involving an open area, vehicles, a building and luggage.

Training continues weekly to keep the K9 team prepared.

And while Abu will be based in Habersham County, history shows his work could take him far beyond the county line.

Roxy and her predecessor, K9 Tito, were called upon to assist local, state and federal agencies throughout Georgia. Their assignments included major events such as the Super Bowl, FIFA competition, college football playoffs, SEC games, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United games, the Peachtree Road Race, concerts and high-profile trials.

The K9 teams have also assisted with security surrounding visits by the U.S. president and vice president and events involving Georgia's governor.

State Partnership Provides K9 and Vehicle

Through the GEMA/Homeland Security program, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office received $13,800 for K9 Abu, along with $3,000 annually to help cover food, veterinary care and other K9 supplies.

The agency also received $80,000 to purchase and equip a 2026 Ford Expedition for EOD K9 operations. Under the program, a new vehicle is provided to the county approximately every five years.

Abu will even carry something forward from his predecessor.

A protective vest purchased for Roxy by community partners within the past year will now be fitted for and used by Abu as he performs his duties.

For Lt. Kemp, the retirement of Roxy closes one chapter after years of working side-by-side. But with Abu now training for the job, Habersham County's role in Georgia's network of explosives detection K9 teams continues.

Roxy may have hung up her work gear, but Abu is getting ready to put his on.