Linda

K9 Name: Linda; ID#: Z385; Breed/Sex: German Shepherd/Female; Date of Birth: January 2, 2016

Assigned Agency: Federal Protective Service (FPS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Graduated From: Transportation Security Administration’s Explosives Detection Canine Course #18-06E at JBSA-Lackland, Texas

Dates of Service: July 2017 to June 2022

After graduating from Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) training, K9 Linda was assigned to the Federal Protective Service (FPS) Region 3, covering multiple areas in Maryland. She was regularly tasked with conducting searches at high-profile federal facilities to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and deter their introduction in and around federal property. K9 Linda routinely responded to reports of unattended vehicles and suspicious items, working to determine the presence of explosive odors.

Throughout her distinguished career, K9 Linda demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance. She recorded 871 operational deployments, during which she conducted 2,883 canine sweeps. These included 1,313 building searches and 5,764 vehicle searches, reflecting her steadfast commitment to public safety and the protection of federal employees, visitors, and property.

In addition to her regular duties, K9 Linda was frequently deployed to high-profile national security events to support life and property protection missions. Notably, in February 2020, during an elevated terror threat level, she deployed to Super Bowl LIV in Miami, Florida. There, she conducted rigorous searches of hundreds of vehicles, cargo items, and personal belongings entering Hard Rock Stadium, helping to ensure the safety of event attendees.

Also in February 2020, K9 Linda provided critical explosives detection support for Operation Diligent Valor at Gettysburg National Military Park and York Park. Her presence helped ensure the safety of National Park Service personnel and visitors during these operations.

In February 2021, K9 Linda deployed to Washington, D.C., for the Presidential Inauguration. Before, during, and after the event, she conducted extensive searches of federal facilities and vehicles near the U.S. Capitol, significantly contributing to the overall security posture of the inauguration.

Throughout her service, K9 Linda consistently met and exceeded training standards. She underwent rigorous evaluations to maintain her FPS EDC certification and routinely earned perfect scores—detecting 100% of hidden explosives with zero false alerts. In addition to her FPS certification, she maintained annual certification with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), achieving a perfect score on the National Odor Recognition Test, making her a trusted deployment asset for ATF operations as well.

Throughout her exemplary career as a police service dog, K9 Linda worked tirelessly to safeguard the homeland. She gracefully endured the physical demands of her role and provided an invaluable level of service to national security and public safety.