Orange Beach Police K-9 Teams Achieve Top Honors in K-9 Narcotics Detection

R. Ken Cooper • February 16, 2025

OBPD K-9s Impress with High Scores in Certification

OBPD K-9s Impress with High Scores in Certification

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Police Department's K-9 teams recently excelled at the USPCA Region 1 Regional Certification in Lakeland, Florida. Officer Giles secured first place overall in narcotics detection with a perfect score of 200 out of 200. Officer McVickers earned fourth place with 199.67 points, and Officer Clere took sixth place with 197.33 points. In explosives detection, Officer Dixon achieved third place overall, scoring 287.33 out of 300.


The duo of Officers Giles and McVickers won first place in the two-man department team category for narcotics detection, achieving a near-perfect combined score of 399.67 out of 400. In individual events, Officer Giles placed second in room searches for narcotics detection with a perfect score of 100, while Officer McVickers secured third place in the same category, also with a perfect score, with placement determined by time. Additionally, Officer Giles earned first place in vehicle searches for narcotics detection, scoring 100 out of 100.


The department expressed immense pride in their K-9 teams' dedication and excellence in the field. Community members are encouraged to congratulate these officers on their outstanding achievements when they see them on patrol.


The Orange Beach Police Department K-9 team rankings at the USPCA Region 1’s Regional Certification in Lakeland, Florida…

  • Ofc. Giles – 1st Place Overall in Narcotics Detection (200/200)
  • Ofc. McVickers – 4th Place Overall in Narcotics Detection (199.67/200)
  • Ofc. Clere – 6th Place Overall in Narcotics Detection (197.33/200)
  • Ofc. Dixon – 3rd Place Overall in Explosives Detection (287.33/300)
  • First Place Two-Man Department Team: Ofc. Giles & Ofc. McVickers (399.67/400 in Narcotics Detection)


Additional Top Finishes:
Rooms (Narcotics Detection)

  • Ofc. Giles – 2nd Place (100/100)
  • Ofc. McVickers – 3rd Place (100/100) (decided by time)


Vehicle Searches (Narcotics Detection)

  • Ofc. Giles – 1st Place (100/100)


Share this article w/ Friends...

Sea Turtle Release Photo by Dave John Kriegler
By OBA Staff September 7, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park will welcome families and nature lovers to its annual Turtle Fest this month. The popular educational event returns to the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier in Gulf Shores. Visitors can learn about sea turtle conservation through interactive exhibits and activities. Multiple local
Magnolia Springs 5K Race Returns to Support Local Homeless Initiative
By OBA Staff September 7, 2025
Magnolia Springs, Ala. — (OBA) — The annual Magnolia Run will return to Magnolia Springs in November. The popular community race takes runners through some of Baldwin County's most beautiful scenery. This year's event will raise money for a local group that helps homeless people. Race organizers expect hundreds of...
The new Foley Public Library is scheduled for completion in 2026. The new citybudget includes $65.5
By OBA Staff September 6, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Got it — The Foley City Council has adopted a $71.9 million General Fund budget for the 2026 fiscal year, taking a cautious approach to spending while continuing to prepare for rapid growth. City officials say the plan will help meet demand for services while maintaining financial reserves well...
Alabama Angler Catches Record-Breaking 550-Pound Swordfish After Epic 4.5-Hour Fight
By OBA Staff September 6, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A routine fishing trip turned into the catch of a lifetime for a Birmingham angler. Robert Fritze set a new Alabama state record when he landed a massive 550.3-pound swordfish. The fish broke the previous record of 448 pounds caught by Del Sawyer aboard the Sea Reaper with Captain Randy "Go
Orange Beach Fundraiser Breaks Records with $50,000 Raised in One Night
By OBA Staff September 5, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Makos Academics, Arts & Athletics Club held its biggest fundraising event of the year in August. The community organization brought together local families and businesses for an evening of food and entertainment. More than $50,000 was raised in one night to help Orange Beach students. T
Chamber Golf Tournament Returns to Support Local Schools This October
By OBA Staff September 5, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is bringing back its popular Golf FORE! Education Tournament for the fifth year. The annual event raises money to support local schools and student programs across Baldwin County. King & King Attorneys at Law is serving as this year’s presenting sponsor...
ALDOT Takes Over Foley Beach Express Highway
By OBA Staff September 5, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) now owns and operates the Foley Beach Express. The highway connects inland areas of Baldwin County to the coast in Orange Beach. State officials completed a deal with the city of Foley to take over the road. The move comes after major improvements w
Orange Beach Launches Free Fall Fitness Program for All Ages
By OBA Staff September 4, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Parks and Recreation has announced its Fall Fitness Saturdays program. The free outdoor exercise classes will run through fall. All fitness levels are welcome to join the Saturday morning sessions. Participants should bring a beach towel and water bottle to every class.
Foley Public Library Plans First Gaming Convention for Families
By OBA Staff September 4, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Public Library will host its first gaming convention this month. The free event aims to bring together local gaming enthusiasts and families. Organizers expect the convention to celebrate gaming culture in the community. The library hopes to make this an annual tradition for residents.
Downtown Foley Plans Football-Themed Community Event for Third Thursday
By OBA Staff September 4, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is preparing for a special community celebration that combines local business support with high school spirit. The event will bring together residents, visitors, and student athletes for an evening of activities. Local businesses plan to offer specials and giveaways during the...
Show More