Former Shelter Dog Turned Tybee Police K9 Gets Promoted

August 5, 2022

(Tybee Island, GA) - The Tybee Island Police Department has promoted K9 Rocky, a former shelter dog, to the rank of Senior Patrol Officer.

Over two years ago, the Tybee Island Police Department entered into a partnership with the Humane Society for Greater Savannah called “K9 For a Day”. As part of that program, a shelter animal joins Tybee police officers on patrol twice a month in order to exercise, socialize and increase their chances for adoption. Little did the officers know, that same program would lead to the adoption of the first dog to ever work for their agency.

That dog, a black German Shepherd named Rocky, officially joined the team in June of 2020. Of course, he isn’t your typical police dog. Instead of sniffing out bombs, drugs or bad guys, Rocky’s whole job is to make people smile. While serving as an Animal Ambassador, Rocky has attended community events across The Coastal Empire, and has also made visits to assisted living facilities, summer camps, churches and a club for adults with special needs. In addition to his regular duties, Rocky has helped to raise money and donations for various non-profit organizations, to include his friends at the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, Renegade Paws Rescue, Savannah Wildlife Rescue, Safe Shelter, the Georgia Police K9 Foundation and the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire.

Due to his hard work and dedication to the community, the Tybee Island Police Department made the decision to promote Rocky to Senior Patrol Officer. He was pinned with his new rank by Assistant Chief Tiffany Hayes on Friday, August 5th, which is also known as “National Work Like A Dog Day”.

The Tybee Island Police Department would like to thank Rocky, and all of his human teammates, for their efforts in making Tybee Island a safer place to live, work and play!