Following a second place finish in 2003, Brookhaven Police Sgt.Clint Earls and his partner Felix moved up to claim “Top Dog”status in state canine certification competition in Bay St.Louis.

Earls said the dog had a steak for his second place lastyear.

“He got a roast this year when we got home,” Earls said.

In the week-long United States Police Canine Association (USPCA)certification program, participants compete in narcotics detectionand patrol trials. Earls said there were 94 teams in the narcoticscompetition and 35 in the patrol trials, although some teams tookpart in both.

“Everything is pointed and timed,” Earls said.

Of a possible 900 total points, Earls and Felix scored 859.Earls and Felix placed first overall in the patrol competition,which accounts for a possible 700 points of the combined total.

The team won six medals, including three golds and threesilvers. The golds were in criminal apprehension and bite work,obedience and suspect search while the silvers were in in articlesearch, agility and team competition with two Rankin CountySheriff’s Department canine teams and one from the MississippiDepartment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Earls and Felix have been a team since the dog was acquired in2001. Earls said he was proud to represent Brookhaven at theevent.

“When you go to these trials, you’re acting as an ambassador forthe city of Brookhaven,” Earls said. “By the end of thecompetition, everybody had a pretty good idea where Brookhaven isand what kind of canine team it has.”

Taking part in the competitions helps officers learn newinformation to improve their police work, Earls said. Also, thecertification helps with court cases in that it is harder for thedefense to attack a canine officer’s statements and actions, headded.

Earls said he appreciated the support of Police Chief PapHenderson and the mayor and board of aldermen. He also mentionedassistance he received from former Lincoln County Sheriff’sDepartment canine officer Chris Picou, who is now with the MadisonCounty Sheriff’s Department.

“He helped me work and train so we could compete at the statelevel,” Earls said.

Henderson said Earls and Felix had done a “great job” in winningthe state competition. He said he was proud of their success andwas hopeful for more.

“I look for them to continue doing the job they’re doing andwe’ll continue to support them all the way,” Henderson said.

Earls and Felix will now go on to national competition inNaples, Fla., in October. Earls said he was excited about thechance to compete nationally, and he and the dog will continue totrain and improve their skills.

“After we got back Friday night, the training started againSaturday morning,” Earls said. “It never ends.”