LAPLACE — The weekend of Sept. 24-25 was a busy one for the SJSO K9 Unit as members demonstrated their talent and skills at community events in LaPlace and Mount Airy.

On Sept. 24, Sgt. Stephen Hefler and Titus, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois; Deputy Galen Joseph and Fox, a 5-year-old German Shepherd; and Deputy Kendel Harris and Deuce, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, made an appearance at the third annual Makin’ It Do What It Do Motorcycle Ride and Car Show at the St. John Community Center in LaPlace.

This event is held in memory of St. John Deputy Brandon Nielsen, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in LaPlace in 2012.

Titus, Fox and Deuce were big hits with their audience of children through adults as they attacked subjects threatening their handlers and found marijuana hidden in a truck.

On Sept. 25, Hefler and Titus and Harris and Deuce visited St. Mark Baptist Church’s Family and Friends Day in Mount Airy.

Children and adults enjoyed petting the canines and watching K9 demonstrations.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said the SJSO K9 Unit is an important part of law enforcement since a canine’s presence can serve as a deterrent to crime and a canine’s keen sense of smell alone improves effectiveness and efficiency of overall police work.