SCSO, RPD renew bloodhound tradition with a real 'Gunner' now on board

Officer Keith Mackenzie and his newest K-9 partner, Gunner. (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Police Department announced today their latest K-9 addition, Gunner, a 4-year-old bloodhound who will partner with Officer Keith MacKenzie.

Gunner has a past connection with MacKenzie which makes this partnership even more rewarding.

Four years ago at the request of Deputy Jeremy Joslyn of the Knox County (Maine) Sheriff's Department, MacKenzie acquired Gunner from a breeder in Tennessee when he was a small puppy.

Prior to heading off to Maine, Gunner spent some time with the MacKenzie family and Daisy Mae while being trained by Officer Mackenzie.

Joslyn left law enforcement in November still owning Gunner. When he heard of the passing of Daisy Mae in February, he reached out to Mackenzie to see if he wanted to take Gunner as a law enforcement partner, noting that he would be honored if he would do so. MacKenzie didn't hesitate to accept Joslyn's offer.

Gunner, who was reunited with the Mackenzie family several weeks ago, was certified by the U.S. Police Canine Association) with MacKenzie two weeks ago as a tracking dog.

Gunner will share the cruiser with K-9 Phlirt (drug dog). Both love patrolling the city with MacKenzie.