Sgt. Hefler, Titus teach students about explosives searching

Published 12:02 am Wednesday, March 2, 2016

LAPLACE — The third grade classes at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School read a story in their language arts class, titled “Aero and Officer Mike,” about a police officer and his

St. Joan of Arc third graders pose with Sgt. Stephen Hefler and Titus.

St. Joan of Arc third graders pose with
Sgt. Stephen Hefler and Titus.

canine officer.

To follow-up, their teachers invited Sgt. Stephen Hefler and Titus from the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Department to visit.

Hefler explained how dogs in the K9 unit are chosen and trained to be K9 officers, stating most are bought from other countries.

Titus came from Belgium and was purchased by the Sheriff’s Office and the Port of South Louisiana.

The port helped to pay for Titus because he inspects ships that come into port.

Titus, who is 19 months old, is being trained to detect explosives (bombs and guns).