SBI K-9 unit thanked for recovery efforts following deadly Texas floods this summer

(QUEEN CITY NEWS) — N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson thanked the State Bureau of Investigation’s K-9 unit this week for their work to help Texans recover after the deadly floods this summer.  

“When we talk about the law enforcement officers keeping our communities safe, that includes the NCSBI K-9 units,” said Jackson. “I’m deeply grateful to these canines, their handlers, and Director Hawley for the exceptional training they receive and the public service they provide.”

Earlier this summer, SBI deployed four of its K-9 teams to assist in flood recovery efforts in Texas. They assisted law enforcement on the ground in search and recovery operations. The teams worked for more than 12 hours a day every day they were in Texas to help cover the flooded terrain west of the Austin metro area.

O the Fourth of July, flash flooding of the Guadalupe River led to the death of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. There were at least 136 total deaths. 

“When we were called about the need for additional cadaver dogs in Texas, we didn’t blink,” said SBI Director Chip Hawley. “The answer was… We’re on the way! In just a couple of hours, we had five agents and four K-9s ready to deploy. They flew to Texas and went to work. I am so proud of these agents for answering the call and providing a much-needed service.

“The SBI is a family, and we help people in need no matter where we have to go,” Hawley continued. “North Carolina has had many devastating hurricanes, and other states have always come to our aid. This is our time to help our neighbors. It’s the right thing to do, and our K-9 unit completed the mission.”  

The NCSBI has a total of 15 K-9 teams who assist in six law enforcement disciplines, including drug detection and explosives detection.