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Johnson City Police Department Adds Two New K9 Officers
Blitz and Duchess complete training, join force to enhance community safety
Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:31pm
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The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) has announced the addition of two new K9 officers, Blitz and Duchess, who have completed an extensive five-week training course and earned the proper certifications for duty. The K9s will continue training throughout their service to maintain performance, discipline and reliability standards. The $16,500 training cost for each K9 was paid for by the JCPD drug fund, revenue generated from drug crime seizures.
Why it matters
The addition of these K9 officers strengthens the JCPD's ability to protect the community and support its officers in the field. K9 units provide an additional layer of safety for both officers and the public, with their specialized training and capabilities enhancing modern policing efforts.
The details
Blitz is a 19-month-old Belgian Malinois, and his handler is Sgt. Mark Ragan, who oversees the JCPD's K9 unit. Duchess is a 1-year-old Dutch Shepherd, and her handler is Officer Dakota Couch. The K9s will continue training throughout their service to maintain performance, discipline and reliability standards.
- The JCPD announced the addition of the two new K9 officers on January 27, 2026.
The players
Johnson City Police Department (JCPD)
The local law enforcement agency in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Eric Dougherty
The JCPD Chief who announced the addition of the new K9 officers.
Sgt. Mark Ragan
The handler for K9 officer Blitz and the overseer of the JCPD's K9 unit.
Officer Dakota Couch
The handler for K9 officer Duchess.
Blitz
A 19-month-old Belgian Malinois K9 officer who joined the JCPD.
Duchess
A 1-year-old Dutch Shepherd K9 officer who joined the JCPD.
What they’re saying
“The addition of these K9s strengthens our department's ability to protect the community and support our officers in the field. They provide an additional layer of safety for both our officers and the public. Their training and capabilities are invaluable to modern policing.”
— Eric Dougherty, JCPD Chief
What’s next
The JCPD K9 officers Blitz and Duchess will continue their training regimen to maintain high performance and reliability standards throughout their service.
The takeaway
The JCPD's investment in two new highly trained K9 officers demonstrates the department's commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting its officers through the use of specialized canine units, which have become an increasingly valuable asset in modern policing.
