The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office announced that Deputy First Class Hendrickson and his K9 partner Atlas earned first place out of 20 teams at the 2026 Capital K9 Trials.
The competition, hosted at Joint Base Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County, brought together elite police and military K9 teams from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Teams were tested across scenarios including detection of simulated explosive ordnance and narcotics, obedience and criminal apprehension.
The event was held in conjunction with National Police Week, highlighting the skill, discipline and partnership required of K9 units who serve and protect communities every day.
Sheriff Ricky Cox and the men and women of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office expressed pride in the achievement. “Your agency and community are proud of you,” the department stated.
K9 teams like Atlas play a vital role in public safety across Southern Maryland. In Calvert County, these highly trained dogs assist with narcotics detection, search-and-rescue operations, crowd control at large events and tracking suspects. Their work supports deputies on patrol and strengthens partnerships with neighboring agencies in Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
The Capital K9 Trials test real-world skills that K9 handlers and their partners use daily. Detection work helps keep illegal drugs off local streets, while obedience and apprehension drills ensure teams can respond safely and effectively in high-stress situations. Atlas’s first-place finish demonstrates the high level of training and dedication maintained by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.
Southern Maryland residents benefit directly from strong K9 programs. The tri-county area includes busy waterways along the Chesapeake Bay, major highways and growing communities where narcotics and other threats can appear. K9 units provide a visible deterrent and rapid response capability that enhances overall safety for families in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
The win comes at a time when law enforcement agencies across the region continue to emphasize community partnerships and professional development. National Police Week offers an opportunity to recognize the daily contributions of officers and their four-legged partners who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to support local law enforcement and remain vigilant. Anyone who sees suspicious activity or needs assistance should contact the sheriff’s office or local authorities.
The department continues to recruit and train top-tier K9 teams to meet the evolving needs of Southern Maryland. Events like the Capital K9 Trials provide valuable benchmarks that help agencies refine tactics and maintain the highest standards of readiness.
