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...

Orange Beach Recreation Campus is Expanding
By R. Ken Cooper June 9, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach officials are moving forward with plans to expand and improve the city’s Recreation Campus. The site has grown significantly over the past two decades and now serves as a central hub for residents and visitors. City leaders say the goal is to better meet rising demand. Propose
Junior Angler Saltwater Championship Series - Stock Image
By John Mullen June 9, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – A new fishing tournament for high-school and middle-school-age kids will debut this summer with the Gulf of America Inshore Invitational. Teens in grades 9 through 12 are eligible for one division, and seventh- and eighth-graders for a second.
Downtown Foley Entertainment District
By Guy Busby June 9, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley's downtown Arts and Entertainment District is getting a visible upgrade. The Foley City Council has approved new pre-printed thermal markers to replace the old stenciled sidewalk signs. The markers will indicate where the district's boundaries begin and end. City leaders say the change sign
Happenings on the Gulf Coast This Week
By Jessica A. Taylor June 8, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — There’s just something about summer on the Alabama Gulf Coast that makes you want to slow down a little–even when things seem fast. Maybe it’s an old-fashioned milkshake served in a real glass dish, the rumble of the Blue Angels overhead, a plate of boiled shrimp shared picnic-style with f
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullin June 8, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The unpopular Pirate Dinner Theater project being considered for the current Beech’s Camper and Mobile Home Park hasn’t completely left the building. But it’s more than likely on the way out, even as it appears as a non-action item on an upcoming planning commission agenda.
One of the many types of reefs in Alabama's Reef Program. Photo by Walter Marine.
By R. Ken Cooper June 8, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — World Oceans Day is a global call to protect the sea and the life it supports. Oceans cover more than 70 percent of our planet and produce over half the oxygen we breathe. It feeds billions of people, drives weather patterns, and supports entire economies. The day is meant to remind people
Alabama Point at Perdido Pass
By R. Ken Cooper June 7, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach will see a large emergency response presence on Monday morning, but officials say there is no cause for concern. The activity will be part of a planned training exercise involving city agencies. It will take place at Alabama Point near the east jetties at Perdido Pass. The dri
Graham Creek Pavilion
By Guy Busby June 7, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving ahead with a series of improvements at its nature parks. The work includes new restrooms, a pavilion, and trail signs. City leaders also plan to seek grant funding for a boardwalk project at Wolf Creek Park. The projects are intended to make the parks more useful and accessible fo
Fort Morgan Drainage Project
By R. Ken Cooper June 7, 2026
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — A major drainage project in the Fort Morgan area is now complete, and the timing could not be better. The Baldwin County Commission announced the completion of the Surfside Drive Drainage Improvements Project just as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway. The project was designed
David Dale wins the April 2026 Island Spirit Award - Photo by Ryan Moberly
By R. Ken Cooper June 7, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Fitness Center employee David Dale has been recognized for his strong work ethic and community spirit. He received the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s April 2026 Catch the Island Spirit Award. Dale is known among gym members for his early hours, friendly demeanor, and commu
Show More