By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

It has been two months since the last spotlight shined on deputy K9 Traffic and his partner Corporal Cory McCartney of the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office.

During the week of Dec. 13, a combination of funds afforded by a traffic safety grant officiated in October and the habitually hectic holiday season had the team working overtime for a total of seven days, initiating a CCSCO Facebook post recognizing the two for their hard word.

“We are proud of Corporal McCartney and Traffic for the job they do,” a statement by Sheriff John Shearon read.

The seven days were packed full of numerous traffic stops and six arrests.

“Those six felony arrest[s] resulted in the seizure of heroin, crystal methamphetamine, controlled substance pills, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and one firearm,” according to the CCSO Facebook post.

“Putting this team together is just one of the many ways we are fighting to get these dangerous drugs away from the criminals that choose to distribute them,” Shearon said.

Traffic, a Belgian Malinois, and McCartney have been partners in combating crime since early 2017.

The two underwent additional training in mid-September “to sharpen their skills,” according to Assistant Chief Deputy Shane Mayfield.

So far, their most notable accomplishments in Chilton County include a pursuit and location of a burglary suspect in mid-August — the individual was found hiding in a barn loft — and the tracking and location of an escaped inmate hiding in the woods in September.

Traffic’s and McCartney’s diligence, aided by the grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, can assure the public that more adventures and successes for the CCSO will follow.

“I find it a personal responsibility to ensure I do everything possible to protect each and every citizen in this county and will never be lax with those who choose to do wrong,” Shearon said.