(WJBF) - It’s a big day for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office (RCSO). The department gave certifications to police dogs and their handlers.

Three new K-9 deputies and their dogs celebrated graduation from a 30-day narcotics dog handler training course. Two of the deputies were in attendance—Crystal Giannotti and Harley Smith.

The deputies trained with the dogs Arie, Joker, and Takota.

The K-9 deputies spent 120 hours learning how to bond with their dogs and how to handle illegal narcotics drug searches.

Deputy Giannotti talked to me about what those thirty days of training looked like for her and her dog, Arie.

“She would search in boxes, in luggage, in buildings, in open areas, and vehicles,” she said.

Both Giannotti and Arie have been at the RCSO for five years, she spoke to me

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