ESPN2 will air on Sunday the "Detection Dog Challenge," a police K-9 competition featuring a team representing the Chattanooga Police Department.
The first televised competition of its kind will showcase events testing the skill and training of police dog units from across the nation.
Officer Lucas Timmons and his K-9 partner Burt will compete in the event hosted by the American Kennel Club and the United States Police Canine Association.
HOW TO WATCH
WHAT: Officer Lucas Timmons and K-9 partner Burt compete in national Detection Dog Challenge.WHEN: 10 p.m. Sunday.WHERE: ESPN2 (check your provider for listings).
The event is aimed at demonstrating the K-9 units' skills in narcotic and explosive detection, while also displaying their importance for law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety.
The qualifying event was held at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Nov. 15. Twenty K-9 teams faced off, using their dogs' keen noses to find various targeted items the fastest while navigating through obstacles and distractions.
(READ: Protecting police dogs: Group forming to raise funds to buy bulletproof vests)
The teams were judged on accuracy, as well as how each handler is notified by the dog where the item is hidden, as well as the officer's ability to accurately tell judges where the item is located.
Contact La Shawn Pagan at lpagan@timesfreepress.com.