The Orange Beach Police Department has a new four-legged member on its K9 Unit. K9 Gator, a German Shorthaired Pointer, is partnered with Officer Brennan Giles and trained as a single-purpose narcotics detection dog, with additional training in tracking and trailing to help locate suspects and missing persons.
Gator was born on Aug. 13, 2024. He and Officer Giles began training together on March 16, 2026, and graduated from K9 school on May 21, 2026, before officially beginning service to the community on May 27, 2026.
The pair completed an intensive training program before hitting the streets, and their graduation marked the end of weeks of rigorous preparation. The department said the team’s specialized skills, including narcotics detection and tracking, add a valuable resource for local law enforcement operations.
Residents and visitors may spot Gator on patrol or at community events, including school visits and public demonstrations. The department asked the public to be mindful when Gator is actively working. “If Gator is actively working, please allow him to stay focused on his job,” the department said. “If you see him at a community event, feel free to stop by and say hello!”
The Orange Beach Police Department said it looks forward to many years of service from the new K9 team, calling Gator’s addition another layer of protection for the community.