VIRGNIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Who’s a good boy? Boyka is!
The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office welcomed a new explosive-detection dog to its K9 unit. Boyka, a 14-month-old Dutch Shepard, and his handler, Sgt. Aaron Whitehead, have completed rigorous training to form a certified explosive-detection team.
“We’re excited to welcome Boyka to our team. His skills and dedication will make a significant impact on our community’s safety,” said Capt. Eric Lanciaux, who oversees the VBSO K9 Unit.
K9 Boyka replaces K9 Gaston, who retired in September 2024. Whitehead was also K9 Gaston’s handler and adopted Gaston after his retirement as a K9 dog.
The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit has two additional K9s. K9 Pablo, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, is trained for detecting drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and ecstasy. His handler is Master Deputy II Anthony Natalzia. K9 Apollo, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, is also trained in narcotics detection. Apollo is one of the first dogs in the region trained specifically to detect fentanyl. His handler is Master Deputy Crystal Repass, the VBSO’s first female K9 handler.
“Our K9 Unit is instrumental in keeping the Virginia Beach Correctional Center and the Virginia Beach Courthouse safe, as well as other public areas in Hampton Roads,” said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. “We are proud of our K9s and the jobs they do, and we are happy to have K9 Boyka on board to protect and serve alongside Sgt. Whitehead.”