The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office (VBSO) is proud to announce that three of its K9 teams have completed their Virginia Police Work Dog Association (VPWDA) certifications in explosives and narcotics detection, reinforcing the office’s commitment to operational excellence and public safety across the region.
On Oct. 29, Master Deputy II A. Natalzia and K-9 Pablo, along with Master Deputy II C. Repass and K-9 Apollo, earned their annual narcotics detection recertifications under the evaluation of VPWDA Master Trainer J. Duncan of the Chesapeake Police Department. The teams demonstrated their proficiency across multiple environments — including courier (people), luggage, buildings and vehicles — and met and exceeded all performance standards required for certification.
This marks the fourth VPWDA certification for Master Deputy II Natalzia and K-9 Pablo, who are certified in the detection of ecstasy, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. K-9 Pablo joined the force in early 2022.
Master Deputy II Repass and K-9 Apollo achieved their third VPWDA certification, expanding their certified detection capabilities to include fentanyl and Suboxone, two narcotics odors only recently recognized by the VPWDA. This milestone places them among a select group of K-9 teams in Virginia certified in both substances. Apollo has been with the VBSO since January 2024.
Just days later, on Nov. 5, Sgt. A, Whitehead and K-9 Boyka completed their first explosives detection recertification with VPWDA, under the evaluation of Master Trainer B. Elmer of the Old Dominion University Police Department. The pair successfully demonstrated their detection abilities across diverse search environments, including vehicles, buildings, open areas and luggage. K-9 Boyka, with the VBSO since November 2024, is the VBSO’s explosives detection canine, supporting security operations for public venues, government facilities and major events throughout Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region. Sgt. Whitehead is a VPWDA Certified Explosive K-9 Trainer, the VBSO’s first.
“The continued success of our K9 teams reflects the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of training, professionalism and public safety,” said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. “These deputies and their K9 partners are integral to our mission of keeping the community safe, whether through narcotics interdiction, explosives detection or public outreach.”
In addition to conducting routine operational searches of the Virginia Beach Correctional Center and Courthouse, the VBSO K-9 Unit provides vital support to local, state and federal law enforcement partners through narcotics and explosives detection, area and evidence searches, and community engagement demonstrations.
The VBSO congratulates Sgt. Whitehead and K-9 Boyka, Master Deputy II Natalzia and K-9 Pablo, and Master Deputy II Repass and K-9 Apollo for their continued commitment to excellence and the safety of the community.
Media contact: Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net , 757-385-8446 or 757-373-5012.